Updates on the Government's work to grow the number of electric vehicles on New Zealand roads. No Images? Click here Electric Vehicle News NZ zips past 10,000 EVs milestoneNew Zealand has passed a significant milestone on the journey to a low emissions transport system, with 10,000 electric vehicles (EVs) now registered. Five years ago, 210 EVs were registered in New Zealand. “Uptake has been far quicker than anyone anticipated, which shows Kiwis have a real understanding of the benefits of electric vehicles – on the environment and on the pocket,” says Acting Associate Transport Minister James Shaw. EECA Chief Executive Andrew Caseley is delighted by the exponential growth. "Momentum is building from a very recent standing start. 10,000 EVs is a small beginning but New Zealanders are increasingly embracing this low emissions technology and growth is only going to accelerate." High interest in latest funding roundThe Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund continues to inspire innovative thinking around EV projects, with a large number of proposals landing at EECA before round 5 closed last week. “They include a good spread of charging, truck and van proposals, along with other technologies,” says Fund Manager Camilla Cochrane. The evaluation process is now underway, with final decisions expected by the end of the year. Round 6 will open in the first quarter of 2019 – watch this space for details. EV Buyer's Guide available for download Car buyers who like to do their research are the target of EECA's latest booklet, the Buyer's Guide to Electric Vehicles. It includes tips on how to choose the right EV for your needs, assess battery health, maximise range and charge easily and safely. Copies will be handed out at EECA-supported events throughout the country, from large expos to local events where people have the chance to drive or have a ride in an EV. Organisations are welcome to link to the booklet from their own website - the URL is www.energywise.govt.nz/evbuyersguide EVworld heads south in NovemberEVworld South - 23-24 November 2018, Air Force Museum, Christchurch A new EV expo in Christchurch aims to replicate the success of its established Auckland-based sister. EVworld South features a trade day targeting SME owners, fleet managers and sustainability managers on Friday 23 November; and an expo offering the public hands-on experiences with electric cars, bikes and scooters on Saturday 24 November. Same time, same place you'll find the Net Carbon Neutral Towns conference (23rd) and finals of the EVolocity schools EV construction competition (24th). |