Dutchman continues EV world trip in New Zealand

A man who drove his electric Volkswagen station wagon 95,000km from the Netherlands to Sydney now plans to continue his journey in New Zealand.

Wiebe Wakker, who officially ended his 1119-day EV trip from Amsterdam to Australia at Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens on April 7, intends arriving in Auckland with his “Blue Bandit” EV on about May 7-9 then spending some eight to 12 weeks travelling throughout New Zealand.

It’s expected to be Wakker’s final sojourn in his EV before returning home where he plans to write a book about his journey.

The project aim has been to “educate, inspire and accelerate the transition to a zero-carbon future”, he says.

Wakker says his trip has proved the viability of EVs and the generosity of people all over the world.

The Dutchman has relied on thousands of people from 45 countries signing up to his Plug Me In project offering support – including money, meals, sleeping accommodation and even power for his EV.

He’s also studied sustainable practices at places along the way.

Wakker left Amsterdam on March 15 in 2016 and expects to return home later this year.

Visit plugmeinproject.com/

for more information.