Published: 1 January 2016

Mathew Hatcher couldn’t imagine driving anything else, now he has experienced an electric vehicle.

The Eurobodalla Mayor said the Tesla Model 3 was “incredibly smooth to drive” and its features were better than expected.

“The technology is impressive as well as the range – 600km to the charge,” he said.

For mayoral duties, Mayor Hatcher travels to all corners of the shire, plus trips to Sydney and Canberra.

“I am planning my trips around places having stations – charging is very fast, a lot cheaper and better for the environment,” he said.

Upon election, the Mayor is granted a council-owned car within a budget. For the first time, the Mayoral vehicle is an electric vehicle.

“I thought I would lead by example and promote EVs to the wider community,” he said.

“Council is also transitioning the fleet, keeping up with the NSW Governments’ EV Strategy targets and Council’s own Climate Action Plan.”

Mayor Hatcher was yet to install a charging station at his home and was making the most out of NRMA’s free charging network.

“It’s currently free at the Bay Pavilions, which is where I have been going most,” he said.

“EV fast charging stations will soon be located every 100km on major highways, including the Kings and Princes highways.

“It’s a huge befit for businesses to have charging stations in their car parks too, as travellers get out and explore while they wait.”

Southcoast Health and Sustainability Alliance (SHASA) congratulated the Mayor on his car choice.

“SHASA congratulates Mayor Mathew Hatcher for demonstrating leadership with his decision to drive an electric vehicle,” SHASA president Kathryn Maxwell said.

On average, SHASA says electric vehicles were a smarter choice as the owner saves about $1300 per year on fuel costs and about $300 on annual maintenance costs.

For anyone wanting to learn more about electric vehicles, SHASA is hosting an EV Expo at Batehaven on Saturday 1 October.

“It’ll be a great expo where you can even test drive an electric vehicle on the day,” Mayor Hatcher said.

The EV Expo will run from 10am – 2pm at Corrigans Beach Reserve, Batehaven.

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