Updates on the Government's work to grow the number of electric vehicles on New Zealand roads. No Images? Click here Electric Vehicle News Minister announces latest funded projectsEnergy and Resources Minister Megan Woods today announced $3.87 million in co-funding for 19 projects under the latest round of the Low Emission Vehicles Constestable Fund. Minister Woods announced the successful projects today at Porirua Motors, one of 19 automotive workshops around the country now offering customers use of an electric courtesy car, thanks to a co-funded project given the green light last year. This was the fourth funding round. Across all rounds, a total of $13.97 million in government funding is being matched by over $23 million third party funding. Twenty-four projects from previous rounds have put results on the road so far. Pictured: Minister Megan Woods with EECA Chief Executive Andrew Caseley (left) and Mark Nixon, director of EVincible and driver behind the project to get electric courtesy cars in automotive workshops. Versatility and innovation a focusProjects to get the go-ahead in this latest announcement include a lines maintenance electric truck with an elevating platform; New Zealand’s first all-electric water truck; five supermarket distribution electric trucks; and electric vans with purposes including parks maintenance, rural postal delivery and food rescue. They meet the round's focus on demonstrating light and heavy electric vehicles in sectors of the economy where the technology is relatively unproven. “This is about demonstrating the rapidly evolving technology that is making electric vehicles a practical option for a growing number of businesses," Minister Woods said. The round also continues to build New Zealand’s EV public charging network. Twenty-two more public fast chargers will be installed to build drivers’ confidence in the accessibility of SH1 between Christchurch and Blenheim; the Southern Scenic tourist route; and the Kapiti and Horowhenua coasts. Three new fast chargers at central North Island locations will use new technology to accept standard payment cards. Funding round five opens 15 August Applications to round five of the Low Emission Vehicles Constestable Fund will open on Wednesday 15 August, Minister Woods announced today. The round five investment focus is:
EV Buyer's Guide to debut at EVworldEVworld - 9-11 August, ASB Showgrounds, Auckland. A new Buyer's Guide to Electric Vehicles will make its first public appearance at EVworld. The full-colour booklet answers questions people commonly ask about EVs. It's been produced by EECA as part of the Government's information campaign to accelerate the uptake of EVs in New Zealand. See you at the EV Drive the Future stand! |