The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in New Zealand is accelerating. There are nearly 4000 on our roads, and every month that number grows exponentially. 

And there’s real interest and leadership coming from the private sector. Every week I talk to business leaders who are buying EVs, or investigating integrating them into their fleets. 

When you look at the case for EVs, it’s easy to see why. There are benefits to using this technology that far outweigh the benefits of using conventional gas guzzlers. 

EV advantages

A year ago I bought a plug-in hybrid vehicle and it’s radically changed the way I drive. 

For a start, I’m paying the equivalent of 30 cents a litre of fuel. That’s because every time I drive into my garage and plug my car into the wall with a charging cable, I get an additional 50 kilometres in range. 

 
Studies show for every $20 I spend on power bills, I would have spent $100 on petrol or diesel. 

Then there’s the self-charging battery. Whenever I drive downhill or hit the brakes I’m boosting the battery. It’s so satisfying to watch your car gain another 20 kilometres in range as you drive across town or country. 

EVs have great acceleration and are so quiet. 

And contrary to myth, the national EV charging grid is widespread – I never feel ‘range anxiety’. Companies like Mercury, Meridian and Vector are constantly expanding the infrastructure, with fast-charging stations that top up your battery in less than 30 minutes. Smartphone apps like Plugshare make them easy to. 

EVs are also cheaper to maintain, as they only have 20 moving parts compared to 2000 in conventional cars. 

Business driving the uptake

Many Sustainable Business Council members are adopting electric vehicles, as part of their work to reduce their emissions and demonstrate leadership in the transition to a low emissions economy. 

 
Nearly 20 percent of New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions come from cars and trucks.

With our largely renewable electricity, EVs produce up to 80 per cent fewer emissions. They also reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and exposure to volatile international markets.
From a greenhouse gas reduction point of view, they’re a no brainer. 

And from a marketing perspective, they also make good sense. EVs bring a point of difference in an extremely competitive market. If a company drives one, they show they are embracing new technology and reducing their impact on the environment. 

Small businesses like 4sight Consulting are trialling an EV and, if successful, will roll more out across their fleet. Larger businesses like Air New Zealand have started converting their fleet too. By 2020 the company aims to make 100% of its ground vehicles electric where possible, saving 65,000 litres of fuel a year. 

Air New Zealand has also teamed up with Mercury, Westpac and 27 other businesses, making a commitment to convert at least 30 per cent of their fleet by 2019. 

A private sector initiative like this normalises EV ownership and shows business leadership. In time, these fleets will kick-start our second-hand EV market too. 

Every year the cost of an EV drops. Some models are now cheaper than conventional cars. A second hand Nissan Leaf costs between $11,000 and $17,000 dollars. A new Nissan eNV200 van costs $39,000.

And even if you do pay more for an EV upfront, you’ll soon recover the cost. Research suggests the average Kiwi driver travelling 12,500 kilometres every year will save two thousand dollars in petrol. 

And there other benefits to being an early adopter. You get preferential parking at shopping centres and there are no road user charges. 

Electric vans, trucks and buses

In the last few years, the range of electric vehicles has exploded. EVs are now fit for purpose. Electric trucks, buses, luxury cars and vans are being used across New Zealand. 

The Warehouse is trialling two electric delivery vans. The Department of Internal Affairs is also trialling hybrid BMWs for its VIP fleet carrying Government Ministers and dignitaries. Waste Management is trialling its first electric rubbish truck and, if successful, it plans to convert a large number of 200 cars and 800 trucks. 

The private sector has the agility to take on new technology and innovations quickly. It shows just how important the business community is in the transition to a low emissions economy.

Business Plus Magazine, August 2017 Edition

Contact: Renee Graham, Communications Manager

Phone: +64274559104

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