Thousands visit Christchurch BEV expo

Almost 9000 people visited the Take Charge Christchurch Expo at Te Pae during the weekend to check out 56 battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

The biggest of its kind and the first in the country to bring many manufacturers’ BEVs together in one space, the Christchurch City Council included cars, off-roaders, vans, motorcycles, mopeds, and an electric ute.

“The fantastic turnout shows people are really interested in finding out about this technology and how they can make the switch to a zero-exhaust emission vehicle,” says council resource efficiency manager Kevin Crutchley.

“I’d like to acknowledge all our exhibitors for their enthusiasm in helping to bring the event to life and promote this exciting battery electric vehicle technology,” he says.

“It was really pleasing to see people from all ages viewing the large range of new battery electric  vehicles on offer and engaging with experts so they could learn more about the benefits of this technology.”

On-road petrol and diesel transportation make up about 36% of Otautahi Christchurch district’s greenhouse gas emissions and the council has set a target of halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 (from its 2016/2017 baseline).