“I’ve never been caught out:” Electorate “bigger than Belgium” no problem for this EV-driving MP

Victorian Labor MP Tom McIntosh has shared his positive experience of driving an electric vehicle (EV) across his vast regional electorate of Eastern Victoria, which he describes as larger than Belgium. Having covered 75,000 kilometres in his Volvo C40, including trips into New South Wales and Tasmania, McIntosh reports never having encountered range anxiety or other significant issues. He highlights the cost-effectiveness and convenience of EV travel, even in remote and rural areas, challenging the perception that long distances remain a major barrier to EV adoption outside urban centres. McIntosh’s insights come amid his involvement in the Legislative Council Economy and Infrastructure Committee and a recent parliamentary inquiry into electricity supply for EVs. He believes that improvements in both technology and charging infrastructure are steadily reducing range anxiety, even in regional communities. He points out that rural residents are increasingly adopting EVs as part of a broader shift towards sustainable and economical transport, often supported by home solar panels and battery storage, which further lowers running costs. Despite his own seamless EV experience, McIntosh emphasises the ongoing need to expand and enhance charging infrastructure across Australia. He notes the strong enthusiasm from charge point operators and energy distributors, who are eager to invest in new installations where grid capacity and customer demand align. According to McIntosh, the government’s role may be less about direct intervention and more about facilitating partnerships and identifying optimal sites for chargers to ensure a sustainable rollout, particularly in regional areas. Looking ahead, McIntosh is optimistic about the future of EVs in Australia, anticipating significant uptake driven by technological advancements and economic incentives. He suggests that even if families transition only one of their vehicles to electric in the near term, this will mark a meaningful shift towards cleaner transport. His perspective underscores a growing momentum for EV adoption beyond metropolitan hubs, signalling a broader transformation in how Australians approach mobility and energy use.