The 'Electric Election': energy policies, side by side
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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.
'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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