Electric vehicles for the kiwi motorist?

The transport sector is one of the biggest users of energy in New Zealand, and one of the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases. The introduction of the first electric vehicle trials in New Zealand next year, however, could signal a change in the way we think about personal transport and the potential for carbon neutral mobility.

The 'i-MiEV' is an electric vehicle based on the 660cc
petrol-driven Mitsubishi 'I' minicar. It employs a highly
energy efficient electric motor powered by recyclable
lithium-ion batteries and produces no emissions, making it
one of the most sustainable transportation options available
for individuals.

Early next year Meridian Energy, in collaboration with Mitsubishi Motors, will commence the first electric vehicle trials in New Zealand. The trials will focus on testing the vehicles in New Zealand conditions and gauging consumer appetite for them. Research will also be conducted on the steps necessary to prepare New Zealand’s electricity system for the wider deployment of electric vehicles.

“Meridian Energy has been overwhelmed by public interest and enthusiasm in electric vehicles. We receive regular queries from the public asking when they will be able to drive and purchase an electric vehicle,” Meridian’s Electric Vehicle Programme Project Coordinator, Tara Miller says.

In the past few years we have seen advances in motor and control technology with hybrid cars and plug-in hybrids now on the market. It would seem all-electric cars are not far behind.

So, why will New Zealand be one of the leading countries to trial the new electric vehicle? Well, we’re a pretty small market, so it’s easy to test new offerings, and we’re also a country of early adopters – given half a chance.

But more importantly, with a large proportion of our electricity produced from renewable sources, the electric vehicle trials will be able to demonstrate how renewable, zero-emission, certified carbon neutral mobility could work here in the future.

Better air quality for our cities and towns; a reduction of our dependence on imported hydrocarbons; lower transport costs; as well as reduced greenhouse gas emissions are all huge benefits.

But is it likely that a large number of New Zealanders will soon be driving electric vehicles charged up with our plentiful wind and water resources, or is this more a pipedream? After all, at this stage, the actual consumer purchase price for the electric vehicle being trialled next year is not known.

“It is envisaged that the first production vehicles will be at a premium due to being new technology and that once these vehicles are in mass production the cost will reduce accordingly,” Miller says.

But, various governmental consumer incentive schemes have been used in overseas markets to encourage consumer uptake of electric vehicles, including financial incentives such as tax and purchase price rebates as well as non-financial incentives such as access to free parking and recharging points. Similar measures could be used in New Zealand.

“The electric vehicle is definitely a reality for New Zealanders, the key question is going to be when,” Miller says. “Currently global demand for electric vehicles is exceeding the available supply. New Zealand needs to make its case for why we should be amongst the first to receive electric vehicles.”

For further technical information on the 'i-MiEV' go to the Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand website www.imiev.co.nz

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