EVs not our only focus: ACENZ

A Trade Me survey showing 74% of Kiwis are considering an EV as their next vehicle is heartening – but it’s only part of the puzzle, Association of Consulting Engineers (ACENZ) chief executive Paul Evans says.

That compares with a similar study in 2018 when only half of the respondents said they’d look at an EV when they bought their next car.

“That’s a big shift in attitude in a relatively short space of time. However, simply changing the type of private vehicle won’t deliver us the best outcomes,” Evans says.

“Road transport is seen as one of the most straightforward items to address in the drive to cut carbon emissions in New Zealand.

“In Auckland, transport is the single most significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, making up 40% of our total emissions. So, people often gravitate to EVs as the great panacea. While that transition is critically important, it can’t be our only area of focus.

“Enabling people to get out of their cars and walk, bike, scooter or take public transport provides many additional benefits. For example, research shows that people who cycle for their daily commute are happier and healthier than people who drive.”

That research includes electric bikes and e-scooters.

“We should absolutely support a nationwide shift toward electric vehicles—especially for people living in areas where public transport, walking or cycling aren’t feasible,” Evans says.

“However, in our urban centres, we have to put a strong focus on creating safe and convenient transport infrastructure that will enable people to leave their cars behind and lead healthier and happier lives.”