Norwegian EV group leader in NZ

Norwegian Electric Vehicle (EV) Association secretary-general Christina Bu is in New Zealand from November 26-30 to discuss what can be learnt from Norway’s world-leading conversion to EVs.

Bu, a powerful voice in the EV industry, will meet representatives from the industry, fleet buyers and politicians.

The Norwegian association is an NGO that has overseen the country’s fast transition to a national fleet comprised of more than 40% electric cars and plays an important role both nationally and internationally when it comes to promoting the shift.

“I am very much looking forward to my visit to New Zealand to talk about what we have learned about EVs in Norway, but also what is happening around the world,” says Bu.

“There is massive disruption in the mobility sector happening now. Apart from what is happening in Europe, China is fast moving into the electric vehicle market with more than 5.1% market share and advancements in software and artificial intelligence,” she says.

Along with having first-hand knowledge of the Norwegian experience, Bu has been keynote speaker and panellist at a long list of summits and conferences throughout Europe and the USA, discussing the challenges for the industry and issues of vehicle availability, charging and infrastructure, residual values, range limitations and cost.

This year, New Zealand’s EV fleet approaches 11,000 registered EVs (over 5000 in this year alone), and the charging infrastructure network continues to roll out throughout the country. Also, in the important fleet buyer market, more than 30 key companies have committed to a fleet of 30% EVs by 2019.

But to achieve New Zealand’s national target of 64,000 EVs on the road by 2021, this rate of conversion will have to grow dramatically, says Drive Electric, which is sponsoring Bu’s visit along with Meridian Energy and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority.

And, says Bu, consumer sentiment is swinging rapidly towards EVs.

She will visit Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington during the week, with back-to-back meetings, forums and business seminars.

Drive Electric chairman Mark Gilbert says Bu’s visit will deliver important insights for the industry and the all-important fleet-buyer.

“Transport has been, by far, New Zealand’s fastest growing source of emissions. Between 1990 and 2016, gross emissions across the economy grew by 20%. In transport, emissions grew by 71% within the same period.

“Converting our fleets to EVs provides the largest opportunity to transition towards EVs and meeting 2021 targets,” Gilbert says.

“Christina has broad knowledge of EVs, what is being achieved around the world and the issues arising.

“We’re delighted that she can return to New Zealand and believe that the knowledge she brings will be enlightening and helpful in expanding our vision of what can be achieved.”