LEADING THE CHARGE AT THE FINISH LINE

This October, the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge (BWSC) Village, at Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga, will be accelerating into the fast lane of South Australia's electric future with the new RAA EV Drive Experience.

Announcing this electrifying new highlight, as part of the BWSC Village program, BWSC Event Director, Chris Selwood AM, said the RAA partnership would ignite the BWSC Village and its City of Adelaide finish line celebrations.

"South Australians will be able to explore one of the largest, in-market, electric vehicle displays, get behind the wheel of an electric vehicle and take it for a spin, along with the cutting edge solar electric cars from this year's Challenge," Mr Selwood said.

"Thanks to RAA, those itching to get behind the wheel of an EV will be spoilt for choice with the RAA Drive Experience in the BWSC Village including free city test-drive options from 10 different EV's. Registrations open today, and Eagers Automotive Group brands, available to drive or view, include BYD, BMW, Porsche, MG, Ford, Nissan, Hyundai, and Kia from nine manufacturers including highly anticipated, new to Australian market, BYD models.

"A range of electric cars, bikes, scooters will also be on display; with experts on hand at the RAA EV Drive Experience marquee to talk to event goers about home solar and battery systems and home EV charging solutions, " Mr Selwood said.

RAA CEO Nick Reade said South Australia's peak motoring body is proud to partner with the BWSC and Eagers Automotive, to help educate the community about EVs.

"RAA is helping lead the way as we educate the community and motorists about the benefits of EVs and the future of sustainable transport in South Australia," Mr Reade said. 

"The BWSC is the ultimate proving ground for EVs and charging technology, and by working together we can help give people a first-hand look at this burgeoning technology. "The RAA Drive Experience is the perfect opportunity for people to test drive an EV and become more familiar with the vehicles that are shaping our transport future.

"With EV sales doubling year on year, RAA is proud to be building South Australia's first border-to-border EV charging network, RAA Charge. "The stateside network will consist of 140 charging stations and over 500 charging bays - helping solve 'range anxiety' for EV drivers and ensuring the charging infrastructure is keeping pace with the growing number of EVs on our roads," Mr Reade said.

Other popular BWSC Village highlights include an interactive innovation hub from naming rights sponsor, Bridgestone Corporation, free 'build your own' experiences for budding young designers from Horizon Educational, panels and talks from a range of climate, energy, and EV experts in the Cruiser Pavilion plus Cruiser judging and food trucks and entertainment.

The Bridgestone World Solar Challenge Village in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga is open from Thursday 26 October to Sunday 29 October, with the RAA EV Drive Experience from Friday through to Sunday. South Australians can view the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge Village full event program and sign up for their free fully charged drive experience from today by visiting the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge website www.worldsolarchallenge.org