Updates on the Government's work to grow the number of electric vehicles on New Zealand roads. No Images? Click here Electric Vehicle News Global EV expert proves a hot ticketTickets to hear world EV expert Christina Bu have been snapped up in Auckland and Wellington, with just a few spaces left for a breakfast event in Christchurch. As Secretariat General of the Norwegian EV Association, Christina has been a driving force throughout Norway’s world-leading transition to electric vehicles. She arrives in New Zealand on Monday 26 November to meet with industry, fleet buyers and politicians to discuss what New Zealand can learn from Norway’s experience. Drive Electric is bringing her to New Zealand with support from EECA and Meridian Energy. Drive Electric chairman Mark Gilbert says her visit will deliver important insights for the industry and the all-important fleet-buyer. $4 million of co-funding up for allocationThe process is underway to allocate around $4 million of co-funding in round 5 of the Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund. "It's the largest pot we've been able to offer so far," says Fund Manager Camilla Cochrane. $7 million was initially available over two funding rounds this financial year but this has been bolstered by funds previously allocated to successful projects that came in under budget. The independent moderating panel is now working through the 82 applications, which seek around $14 million in total. Final decisions are expected by the end of the year. Watch this space for details of upcoming funding rounds. Dealer's Guide goes to auto industry The Dealer’s Guide to Electric Vehicles was distributed to people in the automotive industry this month, giving an overview of EVs and answers to common queries. “Car buyers are increasingly likely to ask dealers what it’s like to drive and own EVs,” says EECA Chief Executive Andrew Caseley. “This guide gives dealers an introduction to the technology to help them make the most of this rapidly evolving market.” It includes the key reasons car buyers are motivated to start looking for an EV, essential information dealers should include in their EV ads, how to help customers decide which type of EV will best suit their needs, and information on EV batteries and charging. EECA launched a companion booklet, Buyer’s Guide to Electric Vehicles, in August. Dealers can request copies of this, other EV brochures or artwork for printable material and promotional flags by emailing info@electricvehicles.govt.nz. EV shows bring the buzzEECA is spreading the buzz word at EVworld South this Friday and Saturday - come and see our stand at the Air Force Museum in Christchurch. Friday's trade day targets SME owners, fleet managers and sustainability managers, while on Saturday, the public can enjoy hands-on experiences with electric cars, bikes and scooters. It's our second show in two weeks - Big Boys Toys in Auckland last weekend included an Electric Avenue section featuring EVs for the first time. |