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There are now almost 100,000 full electric vehicles on the roads in New Zealand. And, according to new Consumer NZ research, which was conducted before war broke out in the Middle East and petrol prices spiked, 96% of EV owners would buy another EV.
"Over half of EV owners made the switch with the anticipation of lower running costs, and 81% of current owners say their operating costs are much cheaper. Environmental considerations were also a key factor."
We've seen similar stats from overseas and we often see initial EV scepticism turn into absolute fandom once people actually drive one and understand that they are generally better and cheaper than their fossil fuel equivalents.
Some people buy them because they like going to sleep and having a full tank in morning. Some buy them because they can get the the equivalent of around $1.50 per litre if they charge up via the grid (and less if they fill up with solar) and don't have to pay as much for servicing. Some buy them because upgrading to an electric car is the emissions equivalent of 107 return flights between Queenstown and Auckland. And some buy them because they can take off faster than a V8 at the lights.
Whether it’s an old Nissan Leaf that takes care of the daily duties for way less, a new Polestar that can go the length of the North Island on one charge, or a fleet of EVs for your workers that helps you meet emissions targets, there is an EV out there for you. So if you feel like you're missing out and you're ready to upgrade, maybe it's time you start driving on electrons. A 96% satisfaction rate is a pretty bloody good endorsement.
Political Power has gone local! Dr Nick Smith, mayor of Nelson and ex-National Party minister, is an early adopter when it comes to electric machines but, through his efforts with the council and his close involvement with the Ratepayer Assistance Scheme, he's also embracing one of Rewiring's core mantras: once you've electrified your own life, electrify someone else's life, too.
Read moreDownloadWhether it's the growing number of electric buses, new electric trains for the lower North Island and City Rail Link, or new electric ferries, we love seeing more electric transport options in our big cities. It's also good to see some of our smaller cities like Palmerston North, Timaru and Nelson going electric and, as is almost always the case, the drivers reckon it's better on electrons. At the Electrify Nelson expo, we spoke with one driver Lee about the city's electric buses. And he definitely wouldn't go back to diesel.
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