The new epoch in New Zealand transport innovation

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

On the water and in the sky, on the roads, and even off the roads … 2018 was the year of big announcements for an emerging industry of New Zealand’s vehicle and transport innovators.

These are the entrepreneurs and businesses who see opportunity in the disruption coming in sustainable electric power, new and emerging technology and changes in transport behaviours.

It was not that long ago that people still recalled the Skoda-powered Trekka as New Zealand’s effort to become a transport innovator and exporter – circa 1966-1973.

Yet in 2018 it seemed that every month we had at least one exciting announcement of new development and manufacturing under way in New Zealand’s transport sector.

Firstly, let’s look at the public transport solutions where Kiwi companies have already been busy.
Early in 2018, Tauranga-based Kiwi Bus Builders got New Zealand’s first electric buses on the road in Auckland, followed later in the year by double decker buses in Wellington.

Ohmio Automotion has made significant progress on its electric autonomous shuttles and has international interest in China and Korea as well as here in New Zealand.

In commercial vehicles, Waste Management NZ began converting diesel to electric, while Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) has developed commercial vehicles now being trialled at Australian mines and have some heavy haulage vehicles in development too.
Trans-Tasman company SEA Electric is now making vehicles in New Zealand – its rubbish trucks are on the road here.

On the water, it’s no surprise to hear that we’re going to be one of the first countries to develop electric boats and ferries, thanks to East by West Ferries Wellington, McKay electrotechnology engineers and SSC boat builders who’re aiming for a ferry launch date in late 2019.

Auckland’s McMullen and Wing were hot on their heels to announce plans for as many as four electric ferries for Auckland by 2021, in time for the America’s Cup – an event which will showcase New Zealand’s entire marine industry.

In the air, the Martin Jetpack company, while still battling to find its true commercial potential, without a doubt incorporates some big-sky thinking.
Elsewhere, we have innovators in the drone space including Aeronavics, X-Craft and others.

New Zealand even has an eye-catching electric motorbike from UBCO Bikes – already well on their way to international expansion in the US and Europe.

Micro-EVs? We have them too, Christchurch’s distinctive YikeBike was well ahead of the micro-mobility curve.

Behind each of these organisations and others in agri-tech, robotics, logistics who are creating economic growth for New Zealand are many more businesses, consultants and support from government agencies including the Ministry of Transport, NZ Transport Agency and Callaghan Innovation which is supporting them with funding, expertise in R&D, technology and in fabrication.

With all of this activity in a country with a population of less than five million, it is no surprise that international businesses are also looking to New Zealand to develop and trial their innovations.

The Zephyr Airworks Cora autonomous electric air taxi is an example.

So, here’s to you innovators.We wish you all the best for 2019.We look forward to hearing from you, learning more about your big ideas and helping you find others to share ideas and overcome your challenges.