EV registrations rise in the Bay

The number of light EVs registered in the Bay of Plenty continues to grow with 647 on the roads at the end of 2019.

The latest Regional Land Transport Plan Annual Report Card shows 271 light EVs were registered in 2019 compared to 190 new registrations the previous year.

Presented at the Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s regional transport committee meeting, the report card monitors regional transport trends and measures progress towards achieving the objectives of the Regional Land Transport Plan.

Committee chairperson Lyall Thurston says it’s great to see the growth in registrations and people looking to alternative fuel options, adding that 31% of the region’s total carbon emissions come from transport.

“So this is a step in the right direction,” he says.

“We support New Zealand’s national commitment to being carbon zero by 2050 and we are working hard to ensure that the Bay of Plenty plays a key role in achieving that goal.”

The council declared a climate emergency in 2019, making a commitment to work with the community on transitioning to a low carbon future and adapting to climate change.

Thurston points out that Tauranga’s Bayhopper service includes five electric buses which produce zero emissions.

Some of the report findings include the COVID-19 lockdown had an impact on export and rail freight volumes, and fuel consumption, that economic and urban growth is continuing to fuel transport demand, more vehicles and heavy vehicles are on the roads and that there’s no sustained improvement in the region’s road safety record.