Foodstuffs supports EV proposal

Foodstuffs is supporting the Government’s “feebate” policy aimed at making electric vehicles more affordable.

The grocery giant is currently building three heavy logistics trucks, set to hit the road in the next few months.

The business also has a fleet of 28 electric vehicles with more in the wings.

“Foodstuffs is working hard to support Kiwis moving to clean cars too,” sustainability manager Mike Sammons says.

“We will have installed 70 fast charging stations in partnership with ChargeNet NZ and EECA at New World, PAK’nSAVE and Four Square stores throughout the country by the end of this year which means New Zealanders and visitors can drive an electric vehicle with confidence, anywhere across the country.

“That said, EVs are currently expensive to buy, and this is why the new government policy matters – we have the infrastructure – we just need the vehicles.

“We expect other corporate fleets will look to do the same – as not only do the vehicles have far lower operating costs, they also help improve local air quality and reduce overall carbon emissions as well as moving away from using a finite resource in oil. We have a collective responsibility to do this.

“While we’re certainly not going to be offering a sharp deal on selling EVs at PAK’nSAVE any time soon, we’re delighted New Zealanders will be able to save money on discounted electric vehicles and that they are able to top them up while they are getting their groceries, wherever they are in the country – whether at a remote West Coast location or in the heart of Auckland,” Sammons says.