THE Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) has appointed Julie Delvecchio as its new chief executive officer replacing inaugural EVC CEO Behyad Jafari, who stepped down in mid-2024 after eight years in the role, and interim CEO Samantha Johnson, former Polestar Australia managing director.

Ms Delvecchio has more than two decades of senior leadership experience in Australian energy and transport, recently advising businesses, governments and communities on energy transition, policy and government relations through Clear Cut Communications and Fitzpatrick & Co.

Julie Delvecchio

Prior to these roles, she spent five years at Ausgrid as head of corporate affairs and sustainability and served as general manager of communications at Allianz Australia, before which she held leadership positions in communications and community engagement at Transport for NSW, AGL Energy and the City of Sydney.

EVC chair Chau Le said: “Julie brings a unique combination of expertise, passion, and vision to the EVC at a crucial time for the electric vehicle industry.

“Her ability to unite government, industry, and communities will be key to accelerating EV adoption, boosting infrastructure, and creating jobs.”

Former EVC CEO Behyad Jafari said: “Having Julie Delvecchio at the helm of the EVC is promising for the future of sustainable transport in Australia.

Behyad Jafari

“Julie has diverse expertise, tenacity, and fresh ideas that will undoubtedly strengthen the EVC’s leadership in driving Australia’s transition to cleaner and better transport.

“As Australia stands at a pivotal moment in its transition to electric vehicles, marked by new groundbreaking policies, emerging opportunities, as well as ongoing challenges, Julie’s experience, insights and proven success make her uniquely qualified to drive progress.”

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said: “I’m looking forward to working with Julie in her new role as CEO of the EVC.

“Thanks to our overdue reforms Australians now have more choice of cleaner, cheaper-to-run vehicles and the EVC has played a key role in championing that shift.”

Ms Delvecchio said: “Australia is moving towards a more sustainable future and electric vehicles are fundamental to this transition – they will cut your costs, are fun to drive and will create cleaner, quieter streets.

“I love how EVs can help create better cities, cleaner air, and more jobs – benefits that go far beyond just the people driving them. They can also play a key role in improving affordability in the context of cost-of-living pressures.

Samantha Johnson

“The work of the EVC is as much about transport as it is about energy. Transport and energy are two of the most important parts of our daily lives, and the decisions we make now will shape the future of our cities and communities.

“Australia is experiencing unprecedented investment in the EV sector, across industry and government. This investment is not only about creating sustainable transport but positioning us to be a global leader in EV adoption, manufacturing, and innovation.

“I recognise that the road to broader EV adoption is a long one, but with the right policies, partnerships, and plans in place, we can accelerate progress. The EVC has made significant strides in advocating for cleaner, cost-effective transport.”

Ms Delvecchio said she acknowledged Behyad Jafari and Samantha Johnson who have been instrumental in advancing Australia’s EV industry and the electrification of transport.

“I’m committed to building on this momentum to make EVs even more accessible and affordable for Australians,” she said.