Drive Electric’s election call

Drive Electric is calling on New Zealand’s political parties to do more to accelerate the country’s transition to clean transport.

Chairman Mark Gilbert says that since the clean car discount was introduced, electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids have grown to more than one-third of new registrations, already saving people some $100 million a year in fuel. 

He adds that those vehicles already registered will also save two million tonnes of greenhouse emissions over their lifetimes.

“Moving to EVs as quickly as possible is the right move for the environment and economy,” says Gilbert, pictured. “It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to cut our emissions because it reduces the $9 billion a year New Zealand spends importing oil products from overseas.

“Drive Electric’s election manifesto calls on political parties to push forward with more bold policies for the decarbonisation of transport. While EV registrations have picked up dramatically, they still only comprise less than two per cent of the fleet.”

Gilbert adds there’s “much more to be done”. First up, we need to learn from what’s worked and keep those policies going. 

“New Zealanders want practical policies that actually reduce emissions and their costs, and policies in place around EVs are starting to do that job. By a margin of five-to-one, Kiwis say they are concerned about climate change and want the government to help people convert to less-polluting vehicles.

“Secondly, we’ve got to invest in private and public-charging infrastructure. There are a range of companies in the market wanting to invest, but there are barriers that need to be addressed immediately.”

Gilbert notes that finding sites to install charging stations is a challenge, and it can be prohibitive to connect to the network under current settings. “If New Zealand wants to have an electric future, we need regulation that enables that future.

“Finally, the move to electric is about more than cars. Let’s get those who want to onto e-bikes and e-scooters, and let’s ensure our bus services are electric, our ferries and our commercial vehicles. We need well-thought-through and innovative plans around all these things. 

“The past year has seen New Zealand go from a laggard in EV adoption to a world leader. This election is a chance to go further and reduce emissions and save money, so let’s take it.”