U3A BRISBANE

University of the Third Age Brisbane


Connecting Seniors to Lifelong Learning

University of the Third Age Brisbane


Connecting Seniors to Lifelong Learning

Term 3 2025

S01 ELECTRIC VEHICLES 101


Everything you need to know
Tutor: Phil Browne
Learn everything that the tutor wishes he had known before buying an EV. Topics include - characteristics of EVs; how to charge your EV, including from home solar; plug types and cables; improved battery tech; regenerative braking; cost to buy an EV (some less than $35,000 drive-away); costs to run and service; what to consider when buying; powering appliances, your home or the electricity grid from your EV; how to locate chargers on road trips; where to find accurate information about EVs; plus view some EVs charging & talk to EV owners. This stand-alone class will be repeated approximately two-monthly. Future dates to be confirmed
District: Northside     Venue: Gasworks Plaza Shopping Centre, 76 Skyring Terrace, Newstead
Monday 10.30am - 12.30pm. 1 weeks. Class date 14 July. One week only.
Current Enrolments: 0  (maximum 25)


Class image
Class image

All the basics of EV ownership are included in the one class, which is repeated approximately two-monthly - so attend more than once if you wish. At the end of the class we will inspect the EV fast chargers and learn how to use them. You will be able to view EVs while they charge and you may be able to speak with other EV owners.

Bring your EV questions and have them answered. There are concrete bench seats, you may prefer to BYO chair. Optional - BYO water, pen and paper, fold-up chair.

This venue is easily accessible via Citycat (Teneriffe ferry terminal), bus, train (walk or bus from the Valley station) and car (free TWO HOUR underground parking). The class will be held outdoors at the adjoining Gasometer (shade available), followed by an inspection of the public EV fast chargers. There is shelter in the event of rain.

FULL DETAILS OF WHERE TO MEET WILL BE e-MAILED A COUPLE OF DAYS PRIOR, TO EVERYONE REGISTERED TO ATTEND.

Some helpful EV resources are:
- Electric Vehicle Council - lots of helpful info, and a list of all EVs available in Australia https://electricvehiclecouncil.com.au/
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The Driven - a website with great information & news about EVs available (or coming soon) in Australia. Their free e-news is very informative https://thedriven.io/
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Plugshare (app & website) - find public EV chargers Australia-wide https://www.plugshare.com/
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All EVs use a "skateboard" platform whereby the entire drivetrain (motor/s and battery pack) are contained beneath the floor of the car. This has numerous advantages including a very low centre of gravity, better handling/smoother ride, increased cabin space and greater flexibility of the car's design https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/how-hyundais-new-skateboard-ev-platform-will-result-in-cheaper-electric-cars-78006
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One of Australia's cheapest EVs wins Car of the Year Award https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/8424120/one-of-australias-cheapest-evs-named-car-of-the-year/?s=09

About the Tutor:

Phil BrowneAn EV owner who is happy to assist others by sharing his knowledge. Phil has driven exclusively EV since March 2021, initially charging entirely from home solar, and now charging from a power point (after moving to a unit). Phil is also a committee member of a national climate action charity that provides interest-free loans to community organisations for projects to reduce their emissions.

If you are a U3A Brisbane member you may enrol in this class online using the Enrol button below. You will be asked to provide your membership number and name for identification.


If you wish to obtain further information about this class before enrolling, you may send a message to the tutor using the Send Enquiry Message button below.