Race day to boost EVs

The director of New Zealand’s first electric motorsport event – EVolocity – hopes it will change Kiwis’ attitudes about electric vehicles (EVs). “People have a perception of EVs not having the same performance characteristics of combustion engines,” Rob McEwen told Autofile Online. “We want to dispel that myth and show that EVs can really perform. “Motorsport is one of those things people latch onto and get excited about. We’re demonstrating the performance aspect of EVs. That’s why vehicles have come all the way from the US. “EVs make more sense here than anywhere else in the world because about 80 per cent of our electricity comes from renewable sources and that’s projected to reach 90 per cent by 2025. There is ample electricity available to fuel those cars.” McEwan says this weekend’s event, which includes a race between a Ferrari and a Tesla, is also about building skills for the future of the automotive sector. “Right now in the industry there’s a massive amount of change going on. It’s not just in the fuel being used, but also in the technology being used.” EVolocity has set up competitions for high-school students, including an EV build where students will be required to execute a test circuit on the day. “The EV is sexy, new and different, and is a great way to get kids involved in innovation and project-based learning,” says McEwen. “This is a way to get kids interested in science and engineering who otherwise might not develop that interest at the stage they’re at.” EVolocity is being held at Mike Pero Motorsport Park, Ruapuna, Christchurch, on November 30. Tickets are $20 per adult in advance or $25 at the gate. It’s free for under-18s with a parent or guardian.