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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.
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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