Electricarna shaping up for February 27

New Plymouth’s big EV event Electricarna 2022 is at East End Reserve off Nobs Line in Strandon on Sunday, February 27, 9am-6pm.

“This year we have opened it up to any hybrid, PHEV, FCEV and BEV as we recognise most people’s first experience with EVs is likely to be a hybrid, with an older EV like the Nissan Leaf as a second car,” Electricarna organiser Stephen Hobo-Tuck says.

“We are continuing to invite along any form of two-wheeled e-transport, and we will have representatives from the service sector to talk with people about servicing, tyres, and panel and paint work.

“Food and drink will be available for purchase under the trees and we’re hoping to have a carnival atmosphere.”

Hobo-Tuck is expecting a large range of EVs from early Nissan Leafs to late-model Teslas.

Rides and drives will be a feature of the day – “So come along and try out an EV and you’ll soon be wearing the EV grin,” he says. 

Electricarna is run under the auspices of the Better New Zealand Trust, and all rides and drives are run according to their instructions.

“We have also invited along people who have converted an ICE (internal combustion engine) to an EV, including Gavin Shoebridge who converted a Mitsubishi Tredia to an EV many years ago in New Plymouth,” Hobo-Tuck says.

“I have also invited Classic EVs from Lower Hutt to attend and Teslas from out of New Plymouth will be attending as well.

“The local Hyundai agent is bringing along an Ioniq 5, plus a Nexo (hydrogen-powered car) if he can get it here in time.”

Visitors’ vaccine status will be checked as they enter through either of the two gates.

“We have support from the Better NZ Trust, New Plymouth District Council and Venture Taranaki so it will be a good day to learn about EVs in a relaxed and informal way,” Hobo-Tuck says.

‘We will be doing a lot more promotion this year, with one of our team setting up a website and we will be advertising through the media as well.”