Electric Dreams on Display: Everything Electric Hits Sydney
Australians got a glimpse of the electric future at the Everything Electric show in Sydney, where a flood of new EVs was on display. The event, held from March 7-9, showcased a wide range of electric vehicles, from practical, affordable models to radical, high-performance machines. The show came at a pivotal moment, with the automotive industry undergoing a significant transformation.
Among the stars of the show were updated versions of the Tesla Model Y and Kia EV3, alongside models like the Audi S6 e-tron and the Ford Ranger plug-in hybrid. Many brands unfamiliar to Australian consumers also made their debut. The Deepal E07, an SUV that transforms into a ute, and a Zeekr with power exceeding that of an F1 car, were among the standouts.
Beyond the vehicles, Everything Electric 2025 highlighted the latest in solar and EV charging technology, making it easier for Australians to embrace electrification. This comprehensive ecosystem approach is what Dan Caesar, CEO of event organizer Fully Charged, believes makes the show so appealing.
“Unlike the steady state car industry … this is a whole ecosystem and [consumers] want to understand it,” he said.
Caesar anticipates a significant EV boom in Australia, although he tempers this enthusiasm by suggesting that 2025 might see a ‘flat’ year in terms of raw sales numbers. “I think the Australian market will go quite fast. The cars here are as cheap as they’re going to be anywhere in the developed world. The competition is fuelling that,” he said.
The event highlighted the fact that despite possible slowdowns in EV growth, the increasing number of new brands and models guarantees a boom. “We never get too hung up on short term trends, we always look at the longer-term trends,” Caesar said, pointing out there were “about a dozen new cars that haven’t been shown before”.
Tesla’s Fightback
Headlining the show was the heavily updated Tesla Model Y. The EV giant is attempting to counter a decline in market share and falling share prices with the ‘Juniper’ revision of its top-selling model.
One of the accessible Model Ys on display was the more affordable model that will be priced lower than the initial launch versions. This model likely drew some of the 30,000 visitors to the Sydney Showground over the three days of the event.
“It’s the biggest new unveil we’ve ever had at the show,” said Caesar, emphasizing the numerous newcomers aiming for a share of Tesla’s dominance. “It’s not the only game in town any more … the competition now is absolutely fierce,” Caesar said of the EV market.
Newcomers Make Their Mark
For Fully Charged, the Sydney 2025 event was the largest in terms of new models, across 18 shows held globally. “That’s the most (car makers) we’ve had in one show,” said Caesar.
The Sydney Showground hall was packed with new EV brands, like Zeekr, Deepal, Leapmotor, Farizon, and Skyworth. These events provide ideal opportunities to see, touch, and experience brands that may have minimal showroom presence. Several brands introduced models that are still months away from release or have yet to be confirmed for the Australian market.
Zeekr showcased highlights, including the quirky Mix people mover, which features swiveling seats and sliding doors. It’s a direct competitor to the Volkswagen ID.Buzz, another eye-catching EV displayed. The Zeekr 001FR demonstrated the potential of EV technology, boasting 930kW of power, or over 1300 horsepower, exceeding Formula 1 car performance.
Xpeng’s “flying car” also attracted attention, though it resembled a mini helicopter or drone rather than a road-ready vehicle. However, the brand featured a lineup of actual cars, including the X9, a tech-heavy people-mover that aims to redefine the segment. The arrival of Chinese brands has already reshaped the market, a trend expected to continue.
Traditional Automakers Join the Electric Revolution
Kia was one of several traditional car makers showcasing its EV range, including the affordable EV3. Other established brands like BMW, Audi, and Volkswagen also attended, demonstrating a growing enthusiasm for the electric vehicle sector.
Kia displayed the upcoming EV3, slated to be the brand’s most accessible model at about $50,000. Volkswagen is getting serious about e-mobility with its ID.4 and ID.5 models, with its subsidiary Skoda showing off the Elroq. Audi showcased the sporty S6, which was showcased ahead of a late 2025 release. Ford had a significant presence with its Ranger PHEV, now available for sale, which can operate on electricity but has a petrol engine for heavier loads and long distances. This model is crucial for Ford in the face of the country’s new fuel efficiency standards.
Behind the Wheel
One of Everything Electric’s main draws is the opportunity for test drives. The show offered test drives of dozens of vehicles, letting visitors experience cars that aren’t yet available in dealerships. Caesar estimated as many as 10,000 test drives across the show’s three days, with many brands being fully booked early.
Some vehicles were off-limits, like the new Model Y and high-performance models. However, there were numerous interesting machines available, including the new Volkswagens, various BMWs, and models from BYD and Zeekr.
Grid-Connected Future
Australian battery manufacturer RedEarth demonstrated its V2G (vehicle-to-grid) offerings. There was also a lot of new products from charging companies and energy suppliers, all looking to capitalize on the move to EVs. With vehicle-to-grid now approved in Australia, there are options for hardware to enable the tech on compatible cars. One of these is Australian battery manufacturer RedEarth. They say they’ll soon begin selling a V2G-enabled box that also integrates an EV charger. The single-phase version is expected mid-year, with a 22kW three-phase option later in the year. No word on the cost, but it indicates increasing interest in V2G.
