New Zealand is seeing an ongoing increase in the uptake of electric vehicles.
Given the high level of renewable electricity generation in New Zealand (approx. 81%), the use of electric vehicles delivers a wide range of benefits, including:
- more cost effective – charging an electric vehicle is equivalent to paying only 30 cents a litre
- better for the environment – reducing CO2 emissions by 80%
- there are only 20 moving parts in an electric engine compared to 2,000 in an internal combustion engine – less parts means less maintenance!
Are electric vehicles financially viable?
EECA have developed a total cost of ownership tool, which allows you to compare the overall ownership costs of an electric vehicle against any other vehicles you may be considering.
Vehicle total cost of ownership tool
How can I keep up to date with current information on electric vehicles?
Whether you are interested in exploring an electric vehicle personally or for a business fleet, there is a lot of useful information on Drive Electric including models available and key things to consider. Another useful guide is the New Zealand electric car guide.
Drive Electric New Zealand Electric Car Guide
Where can I charge my vehicle?
Locally, the following chargers are available at:
- Bayfair Shopping Centre – on the corner of Maunganui Road and Girven Road in Mount Maunganui. One ‘user pays’ DC rapid charger, (check Charge Net website for charging rates) and two free AC chargers, currently funded by Bayfair.
- Tauranga Crossing Shopping Centre, The Lakes. Four free AC chargers located outside Look Sharp.
- Parking buildings - three EV chargers Type 1 and Type 2 are available in each parking building, there are no fees to charge vehicle, but standard parking charges apply.
Charge Net NZ Electric Station (433kb pdf)
National charging network:
If you are travelling regionally or nationally Plugshare has a website and a Mobile App that you can download, which lists where all the public chargers are. Similarly, you can view a map of existing and planned charging stations at Charge Net NZ.
Plugshare
Regional activity:
A regional project is underway (early 2017) to establish a Bay of Plenty charging network that connects the main business centres throughout the Bay as well as tourist destinations supporting stress free travel.