The 'Electric Election': energy policies, side by side
Queenstown's roads are regularly clogged and, as the region continues to grow, that's only going to get worse. But Whoosh thinks the solution could be right above our heads.
Whoosh, which has been developed by Christchurch engineering company Holmes Solutions, uses a fixed metal guideway for its cablecars rather than ropes and that means they have the unique ability to go around corners.
The autonomous electric pods are self-powered with batteries on board and they use a lot less energy than a vehicle.
There can also be lots of pods, one after the other, with control systems in each one and sensors on the track to keep them at a safe distance. Users will be able to choose their destination and bypass different stations along the way.
Whoosh’s first real-world pilot project just got the green light and is scheduled to kick off in the Remarkables Park in Frankton, but it's hoped the network will eventually extend all the way into Queenstown and further around the region. With plenty of overseas interest in the technology, Whoosh's network might eventually extend around the world.
There is a different but complementary proposal for a bigger gondola system that should further reduce the need for cars and take pressure off the roads in the region, so, when it comes to transport, things might be looking up down south.
'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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