The PM wants an EV

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

Jacinda Ardern would love an EV.

The Prime Minister told EVtalk she wants one after she launched Yoogo Share, New Zealand’s first fully battery powered electric car-sharing service, in Christchurch.

Asked what sort of vehicle she’d like, Ardern says she doesn’t want to endorse any particular brand by revealing a preference.

She is keen to set an example though and believes the Labour-led coalition Government will stick with the aim of converting as much of its fleet as possible to electric.

Officially opening the car-share service at the Christchurch Art Gallery with Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel before about 200 guests, Ardern received a baby’s stretch-an-grow as a gift from Yoogo Share general manager Kirsten Corson.

It was inscribed with the phrase “Sharing is caring”, although Corson said, tongue in cheek, they had considered “My mother went into Labour” and “Plug me in”!

Ardern says she’s been getting many baby related gifts after her announcement in January that she and partner Clarke Gayford are expecting their first child in June.

Adern, who learned to drive on a Massey Ferguson tractor, says she sees the potential to expand New Zealand’s clean, green slogan to include “carbon neutral” (New Zealand aims to be carbon neutral by 2050).
Christchurch City Council and Yoogo Share are “leading the charge in this area”, she says.

The car-share scheme is among ways of encouraging New Zealanders to also change their transport options, Ardern says.

“We’re seeing Christchurch fly the flag with 100 EVs driving around the city.”
All the cars have first names, mainly after the people involved with the service – and one is named “Jacinda”.

The council initiated, researched and developed the battery electric car-sharing scheme for Christchurch organisations and for the public, mainly through its resource efficiency manager Kevin Crutchley.

He managed the city-wide project and has a car named after him too.
“This is an exciting new transport service powered by electricity largely generated from renewable energy,” Crutchley says.

“The result is a service with zero tail-pipe emissions that will both reduce our city’s greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, which will have positive health benefits for city residents.”

The service can be accessed by businesses and the public, he says.
“This service also allows people to affordably try out new EVs.”
The council developed the city-wide hub concept and worked with owners to make the hubs available for the service.

It then partnered with a cross-section of public and private sector organisations to seek a car-sharing service.

Crutchley also helped secure 12 business partners, the foundation members, for the venture and more are now expected to join.

Yoogo Share was selected to develop the offer which began with the foundation members. It’s now registering other businesses as well as the public.

Yoogo Share EVs will be based at more than 10 hubs across the city, initially starting with users picking up and dropping off at the same hub. A pick-up and drop-off to different hubs is planned in the future.

Yoogo Share Hyundai Ioniqs and BMW i3s are now available from hubs including the Christchurch Art Gallery carpark, West End carpark and Christchurch International Airport.

In March, hubs will open at The Crossing car park, Ara Institute, Papanui and Fendalton libraries and Lyttelton Community Centre.

Canterbury University, The Terrace and Lichfield Street carpark will follow.
The business will also extend the offer to Auckland and beyond.

Corson says sustainability is an important part of Yoogo Share’s business, and providing access to EVs helps Kiwis go green.

“While electric vehicles are increasing in popularity, they can be challenging to adopt because of the extra cost of the vehicles, not to mention costs for chargers and installation.
“Sharing is a great way to enable the benefits of an EV without the hassle or cost.”
Corson says Yoogo Share’s world-leading technology means Christchurch residents and businesses can contribute to a more sustainable future and a smarter city.

Dalziel says the city is among the few worldwide to have a battery electric car-sharing service.

She says it’s as much a part of the city’s regeneration after the February 2011 earthquake as any project envisaged, and puts sustainability to the fore.

“This service will deliver improved environmental and health outcomes, and help the council achieve its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

“It’s a smart and sustainable way for businesses and residents to get around town – this is the way of the future.”
And, yes, a car bears her name as well.