EV day out

A first electric vehicle day out at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park on October 7 has attracted strong interest.

More than 100 EVs are expected at the inaugural EV Community Day there from noon to 4.30pm, which offers the chance to drive around the 2.8km race track.

EV owners from as far afield as Wellington are expected, says Justin Boyd from organising group the Electric Vehicle Association of Aotearoa (EVAA).

He hopes for a good turnout – likely if the weather is fine.

“The car racing fraternity has also shown keen interest, so we might have a lot more people coming to see what all the EV fuss is about,” Boyd says.

A new record for the most EVs in one place may be set if sufficient numbers turn up.

An added incentive is the chance to drive EVs around the race track.

Three time slots are offered, with one just for Tesla models. EV owners keen to tackle the track are asked to provide a donation or koha of $20 ($60 for a Tesla) to help the EVAA with funding.

A race between a McLaren and a Tesla is planned, while companies like GVI Electric, Hyundai, BMW and others involved in EVs will also be there.

Hyundai could provide a Kona EV for test drives and a BMW i8 roadster is also likely to be on display.

Other events and prize-giving are included, while EV owners have the chance to gain advice and talk with others about their cars.

Hampton Downs has donated the venue and support staff, Boyd says.

EVs will be able to charge up on site, using the WEL Networks fast charger there or another a few minutes away at Te Kauwhata, plus a variety of plug-in chargers.

Pre-registration will be held for EV owners wanting to drive on the race track, with numbers likely to be limited, although registrations will also be taken on the day, Boyd says.

Details can be sent to justin@goodhabitat.co.nz

, or search for the EVAA on Facebook for more information.