The 'Electric Election': energy policies, side by side
"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 ...
See all our Political Power interviews here ⚡
'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.
Read moreDownload
