Melbourne Electric Vehicle Show 2025: The Future of Motoring on Show at Melbourne Exhibition Centre

The future of motoring was on display at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre over the weekend of July 27–29, showcasing the current state of electric vehicles (EVs) from a wide range of manufacturers. The event featured a mix of legacy marques such as Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce, VW, Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and Mazda, alongside rising Chinese contenders like Leapmotor, Northstar (Volvo), Farizon, Xpeng, and GWM.

Interestingly, Tesla did not have an official presence at the show; instead, it was represented by its Australian owners’ group—a notable absence given its global prominence in the EV sector.

Visitors were offered insights into the transition from traditional internal combustion engines (ICE) to hybrid and fully electric vehicles. Live stage discussions explored both the advantages and current limitations of EV adoption. Topics included supply chain issues affecting repairs for newer brands, common concerns around driving range, and the radically simplified mechanics of EVs compared to traditional piston-engine cars.

One compelling talking point came from presenters who suggested that Japanese automakers—despite their long-standing influence in the Australian and global markets—seem to be lagging in the EV transition. In contrast, Chinese manufacturers appear to be going all in to capture market share. Whether this aggressive push will pay off remains to be seen, but it raises an important question: are the traditional players at risk of being left behind?