EVs ready to lead the charge again

This story first appeared in the February issue of EVtalk – CLICK HERE to download the magazine FREE

Encouraging more Kiwis to drive an electric vehicle is the main aim of the Leading the Charge EV tour of New Zealand from March 14 to April 3.

Organiser the Better NZ Trust wants local champions and EV drivers to join in at their local event, to share their knowledge and enthusiasm and be part of the excitement.

This year’s events will focus on getting members of the public behind the wheel of the wide range of EVs taking part in the trip, trust chairwoman Kathryn Trounson says.

“We’re also encouraged by the interest and support that the new Government has shown in the road trip and welcome its attendance at the various events held around the country.”

The 5000km tour from Bluff to Cape Reinga promises to be bigger and better than last year’s, with a high number of cars expected.

EV numbers are likely to swell with others joining parts of the tour, possibly doubling numbers again.
Stops are planned at 26 locations, from about two hours in Christchurch on March 17, two days in Wellington (March 22 and 23), and up to five days in Auckland (March 29-April 3) over Easter.

Various events are planned during the stops, with EV owners welcome to come along.
However, no record attempts for the number of EVs in one place are proposed this time. That might come later at another event.

Other contests and prizes are expected though.
The goal is to add more variety this year, with a greater range of electric transport options.
Car-share groups will attend and EV owners will have displays along the route.

Two French students on a seven-month EV trip around New Zealand will join the tour for about four days in a Nissan eNV-200 camper van loaned to them by Jucy (see P3).
EVangelist Chelsea Sexton from California will be coming along for the entire ride too.

Nearly all the OEMs will be involved, doing rides and drives.

The road trip started in 2015 and was initially planned to tackle range anxiety head on and prove that an EV could drive up and down the length of New Zealand with relative ease – and a little careful planning, Trounson says.

Another important goal was showcasing the amazing range of EVs available to consumers.
“Since the first Leading the Charge Road Trip, ChargeNet has made the entire country accessible to electric vehicle owners and should be applauded for its ‘build it and they will use it’ mentality,” Trounson says.

“As such, the planning of this year’s trip was made so much easier for the shorter-range cars.”
The trust’s aim is to encourage the uptake of EVs as a way of reducing CO2 emissions.

“The trust is not a car seller – we are the sizzle, not the sausage – and the fact that trust members take their personal cars over 5000km in this shows our dedication to the cause,” Trounson says.

“We always strive for neutrality, especially around EV brands, and to that end we have tried hard to encompass as many different EVs on the trip as possible – opening our arms to any manufacturers that would like to participate on the trip.”

Trust communications manager Shawn Moodie fell in love with driving EVs because they’re so quiet.
“I’ve been in a lot of EVs and like everyone else I was first blown away by the lack of an engine noise.
“But in all honesty what really got me hooked was, as a music lover, being able to immerse myself fully in a song rather than having it compete with the rattle of an engine.”

The Leading the Charge website has all the information on how you can play a role in promoting a carbon neutral transportation future.

Visit www.leadingthecharge.org.nz for more details.