"It's very efficient. It drives smooth. I think people are nervous when they get off diesel or petrol. But when you get into an EV it's actually very, very seamless. I encourage people to give it a go." In the latest episode of our ongoing series Political Power, where we talk to our representatives about the machines in their lives, Nancy Lu, list MP for National, shares the love she has for her Tesla, which she bought four or five years ago and mostly charges at home.
At the start, she says she did get quite worried about running out of battery but not anymore and, as Mike Casey says, range anxiety is generally just an issue for those who haven't driven EVs.
She has installed an EV charger at home and says it's very easy to plug in.
Once you've electrified your own life, we always recommend trying to electrify someone else's life too. And Lu has obviously been doing a good job of that.
"My parents are also thinking about coming onboard to join us on the EV journey."
Solar on the roof makes that even more compelling, so that could be the next step, but cooking is a tougher sell.
The Asian community is often keen on gas as it's thought cooking at high temperatures gives the dishes a specific flavour (often known as 'wok hei').
But modern induction technology is now capable of very high heats and excellent performance - without putting those in the kitchen at risk from all the toxins.
Ben Bayly is one chef who has embraced it (as has East in Auckland) and Casey said he'd be happy take Lu to Ahi for lunch to show her what's possible with electrons.
"I think my life's work would be complete if we can get an induction cooktop in your house," he says.
"I would love that idea," says Lu.
One machine at a time ...
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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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