Melbourne’s electric motor show charges into town

The future of electric vehicles in Australia is a polarising debate and experts say our country has reached a crucial moment.

Remember when car shows were all about revving engines and diehard motoring fans?

You’d line up for hours just to get a signed poster or photo with Allan Moffat and leave wishing you owned one of the cool V8s you just saw.

Things look a little different in 2025, when crowds gather around electric vehicles powering popcorn machines or snapping selfies inside a futuristic battery-powered car.

This weekend, the Melbourne International EV Auto Show returns to the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, offering a fresh take on the conventional motor show.

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Kia Motors motor car displayed at the Seoul International Motorshow 23 Apr 1997. Picture: Supplied

Future Drive AutoShows chief executive Ray Evens said the event is more than just a showcase, it’s an event that helps shift buyer behaviour.

“EV expos are the fastest way to turbocharge Australia’s journey to net-zero,” he said.

“In 2022, we heard, ‘Can an EV tow my trailer? Now it’s ‘Which EV suits my fleet best?

“That leap from curiosity to practical evaluation proves EVs have arrived for tradies, families and luxury buyers alike.”

As Australia heads towards 300,000 EVs on the road, public interest is growing.

Evans said the country is at a tipping point, with more than 70 new EV models expected to arrive by 2026, many of them priced under $70,000.

“EV shows will become the electric hub for the next generation,” he said.

“Soon these expos will be full-spectrum mobility festivals: off-road tracks for UTEs and 4x4s, performance drag strips, e-bike and hydrogen fuel-cell showcases, home-energy zones and regional pop-ups. Live panels with industry leaders will unpack fleet electrification, V2G rollout and luxury EV charging lounges, turning each event into Melbourne’s must-attend electric-vehicle summit.”

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Porsche’s electric Taycan Turbo is one of the quickest cars on sale. Photo: Supplied

Now in its third year, the event is a celebration of all things electric, from budget-friendly runabouts to luxury sedans and rugged off-roaders.

On display are auto brands like Tesla, Volkswagen, Audi, Kia and Polestar.

Alongside, rising rivals like Leapmotor, Zeekr and Smart.

The event will also showcase the Rolls-Royce Spectre, Ferrari 296 GTB and SF90, and the electric Porsche Taycan GTS.

Melburnians will also get the chance to view the new XPeng P7+.

Those curious about commercial EVs can explore Farizon.

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A newly launched Xpeng P7+ is displayed during the 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai on April 23, 2025. Picture: WANG Zhao / AFP

Visitors can take part in test drives, listen to a panel of experts, walk-throughs on EV safety, watch charging demonstrations, and even experience a segway electric go-kart.

There’s even the opportunity to win a new car.

TrueEV, the Australian distributor of XPeng and the EV auto show will be partnering to give away a brand-new XPeng G6, a sleek, tech packed SUV.

All proceeds from the raffle will go directly to breast cancer research with the winner being announced Sunday 29th of June at 3pm.

Originally published as Melbourne’s electric motor show charges into town