Second round of EV Contestable Fund opens

The second round of funding for the government’s Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund was opened yesterday by energy and resources minister Judith Collins. The fund is one of several government initiatives to increase the uptake of EVs on New Zealand roads every year to a target of 64,000 by 2021. According to Ministry of Transport statistics, 2426 EVs were registered in New Zealand at the end of 2016. “The government wants to see more people swap to electric vehicles, which are cheaper to run and maintain than petrol-fuelled vehicles,” Collins said. “Electric vehicles are powered by New Zealand’s more than 80 per cent renewable electricity and will reduce transport emissions, which is good for New Zealand.” $3 million will be available in the second round, which is aimed at projects that encourage consumer uptake of EVs, increase visibility and showcase the viability of EV technology in New Zealand. The fund will contribute 50 per cent of expenses, with private businesses or council entities to provide the other half. Funding for the first 15 successful projects was announced in January, including a total 100 new charging stations, an electric car-sharing scheme, EV taxis, and electric waste disposal trucks buses, and delivery vehicles. With pricing becoming more competitive and range distance increasing, Collins said EVs were becoming more of a reality.   “New Zealanders will be able to see electric vehicles and charging stations in their neighbourhoods. This fund is helping kick-start innovative projects that are building momentum for change,” she said. Interested parties have six weeks to submit their proposals to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), with applications closing on April 26.