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"Imagine, during a power cut, still being able to operate your business’ internet, EFTPos and POS systems via a backup power source. Or, at home, being able to charge your phone, boil water for a cuppa, or keep the fridge running." Jonathan Holmes from Electrify Wānaka says this is possible with an electric vehicle and four new models - including a fully electric ute - were shown off at Mitre 10 Wānaka over the weekend.
He said the display particularly targets tradies with two of the latest electric utes and vans, as well as SUVs, on display.
Unlike a fossil fuel vehicle which only takes in energy, an EV can also redirect energy out in what’s known as V2X - vehicle to house, vehicle to load, vehicle to grid, he said.
“We will have power tools, including a Mitre saw, plugged into the vehicles to demonstrate an EV’s capability,” he said.
On display will be a three tonne ute with a one tonne payload capacity. It has all the bells and whistles but is cheaper to operate, requires less maintenance, and can run power tools or recharge tool batteries.
When Mike Casey bought his house near Cromwell, it came with gas bottles on the side of the home for water and an expensive diesel system for the underfloor heating. He replaced both of them with a Steibel Eltron system and it's been saving him money ever since. As technical manager Bhawesh Singh told him at the Electrify Queenstown conference, there has been a big influx in enquiries from homes looking to get off the molecules and onto electrons.
Read moreDownloadConfidence that cutting regulations to make solar power more accessible - won't jeopardise people's safety. A new Regulation Ministry reports laid out a potential blueprint to legalise plug-in solar and reduce the time and cost of panel installation. Rewiring Aotearoa CEO Mike Casey shares his thoughts with Andrew Dickens.
The burgeoning demand for solar was also a chance to address a mismatch between the numbers of training opportunities available and young people searching for work, Casey said. "The mums of New Zealand are telling me that there's not enough apprenticeships for their kids and the solar installers of New Zealand are telling me there's not enough trained people."
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