NZ well placed for EVs

First speakers told about 150 people at the eworld conference in Henderson, Auckland, on May 6 that New Zealand is in a good position for EV uptake, expected to rise dramatically within the next few years.

Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association secretary general Christina Bu, who has been in New Zealand on several occasions, says Norway is reaping the benefits of its early EV adoption with many new EV models arriving or due to arrive in Norway shortly as a result.

She expects New Zealand EV uptake to quicken, especially if the government here introduces policies and incentives to help as indicated.

Just what those will comprise isn’t yet fully known other than consideration of a Clean Car Import Standard which proposed emissions restrictions and a possible “feebate” to penalise polluters and encourage low to zero emission vehicle uptake.

There’s also talk of extending EV exemption from road user charges – more likely to be known about that when transport minister Michael Wood addresses the conference on the May 7 day two opening session.

About 54 different EV models are expected in Norway this year with “new players” like China’s Nio and others also involved.

Bu also says Norway will have about 60 electric ferries by the end of next year, pointing out that New Zealand is about to launch its first one in Wellington.

Electric aircraft are next for Norway which – like New Zealand – has many short haul flights which suit e-aircraft.

Bu says her association has grown to about 90,000 members and has 40 employees, illustrating Norway’s EV uptake.

She says EVs are more on par with internal combustion engine (ICE) costs in Norway because of tax incentives. Rules applying there include “charging ready” new buildings and “right to charge” in apartment blocks so that e-mobility charging has to be provided in new builds.

She says EV demand is expected to surge globally with US president Joe Biden introducing new policy to encourage zero emissions vehicles and Europe stepping up as well.

“I think uptake will be faster than most people realise.”

ChargeNet NZ chief executive Steve West then explained New Zealand’s EV charging situation, saying a “massive” roll out of high-powered or hypercharging (300kW-350kW) units is planned soon.

“We’re installing more than 20 300kW charging bays per year.”

West says two are already operating (including Bombay) and seven are being co-funded through the government’s low emission vehicles contestable fund administered by EECA.

Fast charging stations will cater for more than one EV at a time and provide plenty of power within about 15 minutes, he adds.

West believes one difference between Norway and New Zealand is that here we can take advantage of new technology for EV charging.

“Rivian has reached out to us,” says West in response to questions about electric utes becoming available.

Hiringa Energy new business head Ryan McDonald explained hydrogen’s potential for New Zealand and beyond, including the heavy vehicle industry and even aircraft – the latter possibly by 2025.

The conference continues with panel discussions and a full programme on May 7 which is also a trade day at The Trusts Arena.

A public day is on May 8 with many new EVs on display – including the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and a variety of e-bikes, along with solar power and smart metering for homes and businesses.