www.bairnsdaleadvertiser.com.au 15 Wednesday, August 12, 2026 East Gippsland Wednesday, August 12, 2026 - EDITION 1 CHARGING INTO THE FUTURE As public charging infrastructure expands across the region, East Gippsland motorists are increasingly embracing the transition toward hybrid and electric vehicles. From daily rural commutes to local commercial fleets, take a closer look at new options how the region is navigating the practical realities and benefits of low-emission transport.
www.bairnsdaleadvertiser.com.au 16 New Mazda CX-5 available now Wednesday, August 12, 2026 East Gippsland Complete mechanical care From its origins in 2011 as a single mobile service van, Henery's Automotive in Bairnsdale has grown into a comprehensive, high-capacity workshop offering a diverse range of professional mechanical services. The business specialises in the maintenance, diagnostics and repair of standard passenger vehicles, heavy transport and marine craft. Key service offerings include automotive servicing and repairs, heavy transport and truck mechanics, as well as marine and boat servicing. The business's recent move to a larger, expanded workshop has significantly increased its capacity to handle diverse and large-scale jobs under one roof. This spacious facility allows the team to comfortably accommodate larger trucks, heavy transport vehicles and boats on-site, offering a highly efficient alternative to their original mobile setup. Clients of Henery's Automotive benefit from a team with deep industry roots. Alongside head mechanic Mat Henery and qualified mechanic Adam Smith, apprentice Brodie Henery is mastering the trade in the workshop and is on track to become fully qualified by the end of December this year. With 15 years of evolving expertise, the expanded workshop is fully equipped to meet the automotive, heavy transport and marine servicing needs of the Bairnsdale and wider East Gippsland community. Henery’s Automotive team members Mat Henery, Lisa Henery, Brodie Henery and Adam Smith. - How far can I drive on a full charge in everyday conditions? Most drivers can expect to achieve within 10 per cent of the vehicle's advertised driving range. - How long does it take to charge using different charging options? Standard home power point: approximately 1kW per hour. Home wall charger: approximately 7 kW per hour. Fast public charger: up to 35 kW per hour. Actual charging times will vary depending on the vehicle's battery size and charging capacity. - H ow much does it cost to charge at home versus public charging stations? The average cost of charging at home is around 31 cents per kWh. If you have solar power, charging costs can be significantly reduced and may be effectively free during daylight hours. Public charging costs vary depending on the provider and charger type. - Where can I charge my EV? Public charging stations are becoming more common and a re increasing in availability each month. Charging locations can be found through various EV charging apps and navigation systems. Common car questions with Cappa Dwyers Toyota salesman, Anthony Capobianco ELECTRIC VEHICLES (EV) - What is the battery warranty, and how much degradation should I expect over time? Battery warranties vary by manufacturer. Toyota currently offers an eightyear battery warranty. Battery degradation depends on factors such as charging habits, usage patterns and vehicle age. - How much will servicing cost compared with a petrol or diesel vehicle? EVs generally require less maintenance than petrol or diesel vehicles because they do not have a combustion engine and have fewer moving parts. As a result, servicing is often less frequent and may be lower in cost. Mazda has revealed the details of its all-new CX-5, which has just arrived at Bairnsdale Mazda & Hyundai, showcasing a five-grade range that brings standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), upgraded safety systems and expanded infotainment technology to the popular mid-size SUV. The updated five-seat vehicle is offered in five distinct grades: Pure, Evolve, Touring, GT SP, and the Akera. All models in the line-up are powered by the G25 2.5-litre in-line four-cylinder petrol engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and Mazda's i-ACTIV AWD system as standard. The engine produces 132 kW of power and 242 Nm of torque when running on 91RON fuel, rising to 138 kW and 257 Nm when using premium 95RON. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 7.4 litres per 100 kilometres, supported by Mazda's i-stop fuel-saving system and G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus) chassis technology. A key addition to the updated range is the standard inclusion of Mazda Connected Services. Accessible via the MyMazda smartphone app, this technology offers owners remote locking and unlocking, vehicle health and tyre pressure monitoring, geofencing, curfew notifications, a vehicle locator and automated emergency services contact (safety assured) in the event of a collision. Even the entry-level Pure grade comes highly equipped, featuring a 10.25-inch multi-information display, a 12.9-inch central infotainment touchscreen, 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, and a comprehensive suite of active safety systems, including Blind Spot Monitoring and Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go. Moving up the range allows buyers to customise their level of comfort and technology: Evolve: Adds auto-folding and heated exterior mirrors, a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated front seats, rear air vents, smart keyless entry, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a wireless smartphone charger. Touring: Introduces a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat with memory, larger 19-inch alloy wheels, a windscreen-projected active driving display, a heated steering wheel, and a powered liftgate. GT SP: Features gloss black exterior trim and wheel arch mouldings, a 360-degree view monitor with see-through capability, leather seat trim, heated outer rear seats and a premium 12-speaker Bose audio system. Akera: The flagship model stands out with a larger 15.6-inch central infotainment touchscreen, ventilated front seats, a power-sliding panoramic sunroof, a personalised driving position guide and steering wheel paddle shifters. In terms of footprint and utility, the CX-5 measures 4690mm in length with a 2815mm wheelbase, maintaining a ground clearance of 200mm when laden. Cargo capacity is highly flexible, offering 466 litres of volume with the 40/20/40 splitfold rear seats upright. This expands to a generous 1594 litres of cargo room when the rear seats are folded flat. For families with towing requirements, the CX-5 retains a maximum braked towing capacity of 1800kg (750kg unbraked). Bairnsdale Mazda & Hyundai are also offering two years of free servicing to anyone who purchases a new CX-5 before August 31, so get in quick. Bairnsdale Mazda & Hyundai has just announced the arrival of the new Mazda CX-5 to its dealership - those who purchase the vehicle before August 31 receive two years of free servicing. HENERY'S AUTOMOTIVE TRUCK & MARINE 0428 035 085 8 Lawless street, Bairnsdale | mhenery79@telstra.com
www.bairnsdaleadvertiser.com.au 17 Wednesday, August 12, 2026 449 Main St, Bairnsdale VIC 3875 | 03 5152 9797 | dwyers.com.au HYBRID V S ELECTRIC DWYERS AUTOMOTIVE GROUP MG HS Hybrid+ From $39,990 - 360° Camera - Panoramic Sunroof - Wireless Phone Charging MGS6 EV From $49,990 - Head-Up Display - Panoramic Glassroof - 77kWh Battery Kona Hybrid From $39,990 - Heated Seats - Dual 12.3” Display - Smart Parking Assist Elexio From $55,990 - Digital Key - Blind Spot Monitoring - 68.9 kWh Battery RAV 4 From $50,928 - 12.9” Multimedia Display - 360° Camera - Heated & Ventilated Memory Seats Bz4x Touring From $75,936 - Toyota Safety Sense - JBL Audio System - 74.7 kWh Battery Mazda 6E From $54,938 - 14.6” Centre & Head-Up Display - Sony Audio System - 78kWh Battery Hybrids vs Electric - how do they power up? Hybrids: Recharge their small internal batteries via regenerative braking and the petrol engine; you never plug them in. Electric Cars Store large amounts of energy in big battery packs and require plugging into a home wall box or public charging station.
www.bairnsdaleadvertiser.com.au 18 Wednesday, August 12, 2026 East Gippsland Eco-travel in East Gippsland As electric vehicles (EVs) become an increasingly common sight on Australian highways, road-tripping through regional Victoria is easier than ever. Thanks to steady investments in charging infrastructure, East Gippsland is quickly transforming into an accessible, EV-friendly destination for eco-conscious motorists. Navigating the region's expansive distances was once a challenge for battery-powered transport, but a growing network of fast chargers now links major corridors along the Princes Highway and into the High Country. Strategic charging hubs in key towns such as Bairnsdale, Sale, Lakes Entrance, Orbost and Cann River allow drivers to top up quickly while exploring local shops, cafes and waterfront reserves. For those heading further off the beaten track, regional tourism operators and accommodation providers are stepping up to bridge the gap. A growing number of holiday parks, motels and boutique stays across Metung, Mallacoota and Omeo now offer dedicated destination chargers, allowing guests to recharge overnight and wake up with a full battery. Successful EV touring across East Gippsland simply requires a bit of forward planning. Drivers are encouraged to use live mapping apps to verify charger availability and speed along their intended route, particularly when traveling through remote areas during peak holiday periods. Range management should also account for regional driving factors - climbing steep High Country gradients or running air conditioning during hot summer trips will increase energy consumption. Beyond lower running costs and zero tailpipe emissions, traveling by electric vehicle offers a quiet, smooth ride that pairs perfectly with East Gippsland's serene landscapes. As fast-charging networks continue to expand across regional Victoria, the future of road-tripping in the east has firmly arrived. CHARGING LOCATIONS Bairnsdale: Nicholson Street carpark (near St Mary's Church and McDonalds) Buchan: Main Road - note this is a 24kW DC dual plug unit Cann River: Ward Street near Mick Baum Park Mallacoota: 4 Greer Street - note this is currently set to 40kW until additional network capacity becomes available in April 2025 Orbost: 5 Wolseley St carpark (near the toilet and SES building) Omeo: Tongio Road (100m south of Day Ave) Lakes Entrance: Library carpark GWM hybrids land in Bairnsdale For East Gippsland drivers looking to cut down on fuel bills without changing the way they drive, the GWM Jolion HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) presents a compelling case for smart regional motoring. Available through Peter Dullard Motor Group in Bairnsdale, this compact SUV blends modern urban style with practical electrification. The beauty of the Jolion HEV lies in its selfcharging hybrid system. Because the battery recharges automatically through driving and regenerative braking, there is no need to worry about plug-in cables or searching for charging stations. Around town, the electric motor provides instant torque for smooth, whisper-quiet acceleration. In stop-start traffic, the system relies heavily on electric power, dropping claimed fuel consumption down to an impressive 5.1L/100km while producing lower CO₂ emissions than traditional petrol equivalents. Inside, the Jolion punches well above its price tag. The cabin is surprisingly spacious, offering comfortable seating, generous legroom, and smart practical storage options for busy families. Tech highlights include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, keeping navigation and music seamless on the go. GWM hasn't cut corners on safety, equipping the Jolion with a comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Traffic Sign Recognition. Backed by a seven-year unlimited-kilometre factory warranty, it provides total long-term peace of mind for local buyers. Verdict: An ideal entry point into hybrid ownership — offering maximum efficiency, excellent safety and zero plug-in hassle. GWM H6 HEV If you need extra room for weekend getaways down the coast or the daily family routine across the shire, the mid-sized GWM H6 HEV delivers mid-size luxury with full-size practicality. On display now at Peter Dullard Motor Group, it's a family SUV designed to take on regional roads with ease. Don't let the hybrid label fool you — the H6 HEV delivers significantly more punch than you might expect. Combining electric torque with a responsive petrol engine, it offers effortless overtaking power and smooth highway merging. Despite its refined performance, fuel economy remains outstanding, with a claimed combined consumption from just 5.2L/100km. Like its smaller sibling, it is a self-charging hybrid requiring no wall boxes or cables. Step inside and the H6 HEV feels a class above. The premium interior boasts high-quality materials, supportive seating and a modern dash dominated by a large touchscreen infotainment system featuring wireless smartphone mirroring. Rear-seat passengers enjoy generous legroom, while the massive 560-litre boot easily accommodates prams, sporting gear or luggage for long trips. Safety is paramount for family buyers, and the H6 delivers with a five-star ANCAP safety rating. The advanced active safety suite includes Blind Spot Monitoring, Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and Lane Keep Assist. Combined with GWM's seven-year unlimited-kilometre warranty, it represents exceptional long-term value. Verdict: Premium, powerful and packed with space — a standout choice for Gippsland families wanting high-end features and low running costs. GWM Jolion HEV exterior and interior (inset). GWM H6 HEV exterior. GWM H6 HEV boot space.
www.bairnsdaleadvertiser.com.au 19 Wednesday, August 12, 2026 PETER DULLARD GWM 554 Main Street Bairnsdale peterdullardgwm.com.au 51520100 PETER DULLARD GWM SEE US AT 554 MAIN STREET, BAIRNSDALE (OPPOSITE BUNNINGS) *STARTING METALLIC PAINT IS A $495 OPTION*. 7YEAR WARRANTY NOW $23,990 DRIVE AWAY GWM Jolion Premium Petrol - APPLE CARPLAY - 7 YEAR WARRANTY - ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL ARRAN Jolion Premium Petrol CARPLAY WARRANTY VECRUISEC Stock Number - 27289 NOW $35,990 DRIVE AWAY GWM Haval h6 Luxury Petrol - 360 DEGREE CAMERA - LEATHER SEATS - WIRELESS APPLE CARPLAY Stock Number - 27311 CONTROL WA Y
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