Keeping on committing to EVs and carbon reductions

This story first appeared in the december issue of evtalk CLICK HERE to download the magazine FREE

We’ve profiled more than 18 organisations which have committed to switching at least 30% of their fleets to EVs – where practical – by the end of this year.

That still leaves close to 15 businesses and agencies to feature, many yet to reach that target mainly because of such things as funding, a lack of suitable EV alternatives like utes and four-wheel drives, and other reasons.

So EVtalk will continue profiling those heading for their target in 2020, when more EV models with good range are expected to start arriving at generally cheaper prices and the chance of incentives looms to encourage them to make the transition.

Several organisations have told EVtalk they’ll be better placed to meet their 30% commitment next year or later.

That includes KiwiRail.

“KiwiRail is committed to playing its part in helping New Zealand reach net zero carbon by 2050, as well as our target to reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2030,” group general manager property Stephanie Campbell says.

“Although we are unable to proceed with converting 30% of our passenger fleet to EVs mainly due to funding, we are continuing to look at ways we could gradually convert a smaller percentage of the fleet.

“Meanwhile, we are focusing our attention on areas where we can make far greater impacts,” Campbell says.

“Fuel usage by our trains and ferries accounts for the majority of our carbon footprint.

“Our initiatives to reduce energy usage across our rail and shipping operations include the introduction of a Driver Advice System (DAS) on mainline locomotives which has resulted in a 14% reduction in fuel usage since 2015.

“We have also fitted propeller caps onto the Aratere and upgraded our fuel monitoring system to reduce fuel usage on the Interislander ships.”
The Aratere is a roll-on roll-off rail and vehicle ferry in service for Interislander.

Built in 1998 and lengthened in 2011, it operates four crossings from Wellington to Picton daily.