The 'Electric Election': energy policies, side by side
Talk about driving change!ETrucks' Ross Linton is at the forefront of New Zealand's nascent electric trucking scene and can claim responsibility for a number of firsts, from the country's first electric concrete truck to the country's first battery swap set up. Since he brought his first electric truck in to the country back in 2018, the technology has advanced massively and driving on electrons has become quite a bit cheaper than diesel and, not surprisingly, that's inspiring a great deal of interest among businesses.
Per kilometre, he says the long haul Windrose electric truck, which he brought into the country for the first time last year and can travel around 600km fully loaded on one charge, costs around $1.20 per kilometre. A diesel truck costs around $2 per kilometre. If you're in the transport business, that's a big difference and a major productivity opportunity. And if you're in the business of reducing emissions, it's also a big difference.
Some businesses have been willing to go electric early and pay an environmental or early adopter premium, but that's no longer required. It's now just good business, and that's why everything from massive mining companies to public transport providers are increasingly choosing to invest in battery powered machinery.
When the economics stack up - and they are likely to when you look at the long-term costs, rather than the sticker price - that's when things start to change. But social proof is still important when it comes to increasing adoption of new technologies and we often need examples to create confidence. Linton and his team deserve credit for taking the risk, leading the way and providing machines that can do the job for less, provide a better experience for drivers and don't pump out toxic fumes.
'Twas the night before Chris-mas, and all through the house, all the voters were stirring, the pundits showing their nous … the election will soon be over, but the energy crisis won't, so we'll be there to pester whoever is in power about the need to run more of the economy on New Zealand-made energy; can Ethiopia's aggressive push for EVs work and how does New Zealand compare in terms of adoption rates?; a two-way charging trial from Genesis shows promise in Auckland, but there's still a way to go before it's mainstream; small electric vehicles are often overlooked when it comes to electrifying transport, but it's hard to miss this weird French one; a solar-powered cafe (and some electric coffee); and we endorse the political vandalism of Keith of All Trades.
Read moreDownloadPoliticians are being urged to adopt stronger electric vehicle incentives ahead of the election. Climate and energy advocacy group Rewiring Aotearoa is arguing that EVs are one of the most effective long-term solutions for rising transport and energy costs. They're promoting an EV Salary Boost proposal, which would allow workers to access EVs through pre-tax salary arrangements – similarly to already existing schemes in the UK and Australia. Policy and Government Relations Spokesperson Ngaio Neumegen told Kerre Woodham that even with the rising cost of power, it's still cheaper to run an EV than a car running on imported fuel.
A proposal that would let New Zealanders lease an electric car using their before-tax pay has not won a commitment from either National or Labour, with the 7 November election days away. Under the EV Salary Boost, put forward by Rewiring Aotearoa and Drive Electric, an employee would lease a new or used EV for three to five years. The payments would come out of their pay before tax, lowering the cost of running the car. The idea is based on Australia’s novated leasing system, though the groups say they are not proposing a direct copy.
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