E-mobility rising as car use decreases

Car use is decreasing while alternative transport modes are rising – particularly in e-mobility.

That’s according to the latest AA Insurance Lifestyle and Driving Survey which had 1100 Kiwis aged 18 years or over respond during June and July 2020 after the COVID-19 lockdown about their driving.

In spite of the current 2% ownership of both electric bikes and scooters, about 15% of Kiwis intend moving towards these modes of transport over the next three to five years – particularly those 39 years and under (20%).

“Over the next five years, almost three quarters (72%) of Kiwis say they’ll consider buying a hybrid vehicle, and 69% an electric one,” AA Insurance (AAI) customer relations manager Amelia Macandrew says.

“For almost half of respondents, the current main obstacle is cost, but it’s interesting to see these alternatives squarely on people’s radar.”

About 48% would consider buying an EV if they could afford it.

Some repondents say: “Electric is better low maintenance option”, “The cleaner the energy, the better”, and “If I am going to go electric, I would go the whole hog”.

The latest survey found 55% of respondents drive daily, down from 75% in 2016.

“And it’s a trend that looks set to continue,” Macandrew says.

 NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) statistics show traffic for work journeys largely returned to normal after the first lockdown, with Auckland moving towards a recovery after the second lockdown to match the steady national recovery.

“Our data showed a similar picture, with claim numbers back on track by July, and our repairers outside Auckland remaining busy throughout,” Macandrew says.

Wellingtonians are significantly more likely than the general population to say that they will be using public transport more (44% vs 20%).

Those in Wellington (22%) are significantly more likely than the general population (22% vs 13%) to say they’ll drive less frequently over the next 12 months, which was generally attributed to changes in work needs, particularly working from home; using public transport more, location changes and environmental reasons.