Boost for low-emission vehicles
Low-emission transport in New Zealand will receive its largest boost so far, Energy and Resources minister Megan Woods, pictured above, has announced.
"I am announcing that 29 low-emissions vehicle projects are bring granted funding through the latest round of the government’s low emission’s vehicles contestable fund.
"These grants will include $4.5 million of government funding, matched by 12 million from the private sector. This the largest round of funding delivered so far, and shows how our smart investments in low emissions vehicles can unlock extra funding from the private sector.
"Smart investments like this are why under this government the number of electric vehicles on our roads has nearly tripled. In October 2017, we had 5,363 registered electric vehicles (EVs) compared to 15,453 now.
"With transport making up 19 per cent of our emissions, this is a key part of our plan to tackle climate change.
"The 29 projects range from increasing the number and availability of public charging stations to heavy electric truck trials.
"The focus of the Fund is to continue to improve public charging infrastructure for EV drivers, increase the use of electric heavy vehicles, and invest in innovative technology, such as smart charging. We want to make it easier than ever for New Zealanders to get around in low emissions vehicles."
Woods made the announcement at Blackwell Motors Ltd in Christchurch, which has received co-funding to purchase and trial an electric truck to loan to their clients. The truck will be configured for clients to load and use for longer test runs than the norm, providing a test opportunity with realistic conditions and loads.
Other projects to receive co-funding from round six include:
- KiwiRail will install EV chargers on three Interislander Ferries for passengers to use in-transit
- Dempsey Wood Civil Ltd and KAM Transport Ltd will purchase and trial the integration of electric trucks into their businesses
- Kiwi Property will install 42 public EV chargers at popular shopping malls in Auckland and Hamilton.
- Holiday Parks will install 30 public double EV chargers at holiday parks throughout New Zealand.
- ChargeNet will install New Zealand’s first high power charging hub at Bombay, which will be able to deliver up to 350kW per vehicle for up to four vehicles at once.
In total, the fund has committed $20.9m in government funding to 120 projects. This is matched by $40.7m applicant funding.
Round seven opens August 16
Woods also announced round seven will open on Friday, August 16 and challenged applicants to explore opportunities created by the new investment focus, which maintains support for the public EV charging network and low emission vehicles in a range of sectors.
A further $3.1 million in government funding is available under this round.
The Fund is one of several initiatives in the Government’s Electric Vehicles Programme. It is administered by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).
For more information about the Fund, visit www.eeca.govt.nz/funding-and-support/low-emission-vehicles-contestable-fund or email the EECA team on LEVFund@eeca.govt.nz.
