Petrol prices fuel EV enquiries

Fuel price increases during the past few months have been “unbelievable” and are expected to drive more people to EVs as a result.

So says Drive Electric chairman Mark Gilbert, adding the more the customer pays for fuel, the more the Government earns.

“It’s a broken model, with many countries challenged as to how to price use of roads in the future,” he says.

“There are obvious ones like road pricing, congestion zones and charges, or more taxes as implemented by the Auckland Council which is probably paying for things it wasn’t intended to fund!”

Gilbert says there’s a way to circumvent such costs – at least until 2024.

“Consider buying an electric car.”

Gilbert says range anxiety is a thing of the past; an EV’s price has reduced thanks to the Clean Car rebate of up to about $8500 (depending on the car’s category), and the price equivalent for electricity charging remains between 30 to 40 cents per litre.

“It’s substantially cheaper than petrol, and with the ability to charge from home using special nightly rates and top up with the rapid charger network,” he explains.

“I urge you to test drive an EV soon – I think you will like it! In all respects.”

The latest pump prices have prompted the Motor Trade Association to issue advice to motorists as well, more about avoiding venting their frustration on service station personnel though.

The association also picks that fossil fuel price rises will continue.