The 'Electric Election': energy policies, side by side
Some electric vehicle dealers say they're seeing a spike in sales as fuel prices rise. Managing Editor of NZ Autocar magazine, Richard Edwards spoke to RNZ's Ingrid Hipkiss.
He says there has been a massive increase in interest in the past week. BYD even had to put senior management on the floor to deal with the demand and one dealer in Christchurch who would normally sell two EVs on a Saturday sold 17.
He says people are obviously looking to avoid high petrol prices, but they're also realising this is about energy security and an electric car does remove the risk of any potential driving restrictions due to petrol rationing.
New Zealand is really well set up for this transition and he says it is a myth that the infrastructure can't handle it. We have really good fast charging infrastructure via ChargeNet and the petrol stations, but the great thing is that every house is an EV charger and he has been happily charging via a three-point plug like the vast majority of EV owners while he waits for a faster charger to be installed.
He says it pays to work out what you need in the vehicle and get independent advice (battery tests are available) but there are a lot more low-price new EVs available that are similar in price to petrol equivalents and plenty of good second hand options.
If you are looking for a car that can get you into work every day, you don't need a giant seven seater. The cars are out there, he says. And there are plenty of choices for people who want to disconnect themselves from high petrol prices or restrictions.
'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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