A heated confrontation almost escalated into a physical altercation at a press conference involving Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen when Channel 7 reporter Liam Bartlett clashed with an electric vehicle (EV) influencer.
The exchange, which took place during an event discussing the environmental and social impacts of nickel mining, left both parties sparring over issues of environmental responsibility and international trade.
The Issue at Hand: Dirty Nickel Mining and Its Environmental Impact
During the press conference, Bartlett raised serious concerns about the environmental destruction caused by Chinese-owned nickel mines in Indonesia.
He argued that these mines, which produce nickel for electric vehicle batteries, were contributing to toxic pollution and unsafe working conditions for miners.
Bartlett specifically pointed out that this “dirty” nickel mining was undermining Australia’s efforts to produce cleaner, more sustainable nickel.
His questioning was sparked by a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between Australia and Indonesia in 2024 aimed at improving EV supply chains.
Tensions Flare Between Reporter and EV Influencer
As Bartlett pressed Bowen for answers regarding the MOU, he was interrupted by Sam Evans, an influential EV advocate known as the “Electric Viking” on social media.
Evans, who boasts nearly 300,000 YouTube subscribers, stepped in to protect the minister, blocking Bartlett’s path as Bowen attempted to leave.
Bartlett, clearly frustrated by the interruption, confronted Evans, saying, “I’m talking to a minister of the crown.”
Evans, unflinching, retorted, “Do you think you’re going to get anywhere by doing that?” The two men engaged in a heated exchange, with jabs exchanged and tempers flaring.
At one point, Bartlett angrily demanded Evans move out of his personal space, threatening, “You wanna do it on camera, you really wanna do this?”
The Aftermath: Who Is the Electric Viking?
After the dust settled, Bartlett expressed confusion over who Evans was, questioning, “Who is this guy… who is he to step between the media and a minister of the crown?” It was later revealed that Evans, a staunch supporter of the Chinese EV industry, had previously expressed concerns about the fear surrounding Chinese-made electric vehicles.
His support for Chinese automakers, particularly their EV models, put him at odds with Bartlett, who expressed disdain for Evans’ unwavering commitment to the green agenda.
Evans, however, had a different take on the situation, and his YouTube platform revealed his belief that the Australian market was failing to compete with China’s superior electric vehicles.
Bartlett, on the other hand, criticized Evans for supporting Chinese practices, especially given the environmental concerns related to nickel mining.
A Deeper Look at the MOU and Australia’s EV Market Struggles
The 2024 MOU between Australia and Indonesia aimed at advancing cooperation in the clean energy sector and EV development has been controversial.
The Australian government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, had previously pledged $2 million for research into battery recycling and transport decarbonization as part of the partnership.
However, Bartlett remained skeptical, questioning Bowen about the tangible benefits of the agreement.
When asked directly about the MOU, Bowen acknowledged that various agreements like this one could be beneficial, but insisted that any such cooperation would need to be in Australia’s best interest.
He quickly dismissed further questions from Bartlett, who seemed unsatisfied with Bowen’s vague responses.
A Declining EV Market in Australia
Meanwhile, the EV market in Australia has seen a noticeable decline.
In February 2025, battery-powered vehicles accounted for just 5.9% of the Australian car market, a significant drop from 9.6% the year before.
Sales data revealed a sharp decline in Tesla and Polestar vehicle sales, with the Tesla Model 3 experiencing a more than 80% drop in purchases over the last year.
With a major update to the Model Y on the horizon, sales of that vehicle also saw a sharp drop, further indicating struggles in the Australian EV market.
As the debate around nickel mining and electric vehicles continues to heat up, it remains to be seen whether Australia can successfully navigate the pressures of international trade agreements and environmental concerns in the quest for cleaner energy alternatives.