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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.
New South Wales gets the memo about the importance of finance and announces scheme offering zero interest loans to households to upgrade to electric stuff; plug-in solar gets the tick of approval to go on sale in the UK soon and the New York Times says it could 'change America'; EVolocity takes electrification to the streets to gets the kids inspired (and eventually employed); a tour of the amazing recycling business Redwood Materials; Think Solar and BYD give it away now; and a skit that cuts close to the bone for many solar dads.
Read moreDownloadAdvances in technology and falling costs mean customer-owned solar and batteries can play a critical role in New Zealand’s energy infrastructure - improving affordability, resilience and sustainability. Multiple trading relationships (MTR) and peer-to-peer trading would enable this potential by increasing competition, customer choice, and innovation in the electricity market, unlocking greater consumer benefits from customer solar and batteries.
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