In this newsletter we update you on the work Government is doing to support the sector on growing the number of electric vehicles on New Zealand roads. No Images? Click here Electric Vehicle News Electric Vehicle News In this newsletter we update you on the work Government is doing to support the sector on growing the number of electric vehicles on New Zealand roads.
EV registrations continue to rise Last month saw the registration of 279 EVs in New Zealand – the highest number in a single month bringing the total number of EVs in New Zealand to more than 3,700. The goal of 4,000 EVs registered by the end of 2017 is on track to be reached well before the end of the year. Funding for EV projects Projects from round one of the Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund are progressing nicely with some already offering public benefits. Already available to New Zealanders are a brand new fast charge unit (with a further three due within the next month or so), an electric taxi offering free rides and a pod of three vehicles in the MEVO electric car share operation. Applications for Round Two closed in April, with 43 eligible applicants seeking $9 million of co-funding. The Fund’s assessment panel is currently evaluating all applications, and the EECA Board will consider its recommendations in July. Auckland Electric Vehicles – Phase 2 Trial Bylaw The NZ Transport Agency is consulting on a proposed bylaw that will allow electric vehicles access to 11 priority bypass lanes on state highways in the Auckland region. The proposed 12 month trial is subject to legislative changes and would commence in late August. Consultation closes 3 August. Read more here. Engine definition changes in the Motor Vehicle Register New engine type definitions will take effect from 1 July 2017 to allow for all types of electric-powered vehicles to be clearly and correctly identified in the Motor Vehicle Register. These changes will enable accurate reporting on the electric vehicle fleet, including monitoring trends in uptake across all types of electric vehicles in New Zealand. Read more here. Law change supporting EV uptake A law change aimed at improving energy efficiency in New Zealand gives motorists even more reason to go electric. New measures contained in the Energy Innovation (Electric Vehicles and Other Matters) Amendment Bill, which passed last night, exempt heavy EVs from road user charges. It also gives road controlling authorities (such as councils and the NZ Transport Agency) the power to make bylaws allowing EVs to use special vehicle lanes. Read the Ministers' press release here Let’s get visible, we love to hear your EV talk Electric vehicle owners are passionate about their cars and they shared that love the length of New Zealand during the recent Leading the Charge road trip. The Better NZ Trust organised the tour that took in towns and cities from Bluff to Kaitaia. Fourteen electric vehicles did the whole route and were supported by over 400 other electric vehicle owners at stops along the way. The public had at least 2,600 rides and drives in EVs as part of the event with the majority of these being given in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland, including at the event marking the 100th anniversary of the Motor Trade Association. A wide array of cars participated in the 41 different events during the 19 April to 11 May trip and they got fantastic media coverage. In the media Watch this short video which is running on Stuff showing people having a drive in an electric vehicle and check out articles about Green Cabs and heavy vehicles which recently ran in the Dominion-Post and New Zealand Herald. EV Talk is a great resource for news about electric vehicles. Check it out here |