Electric cars impact emissions
The public EV charging network has received a significant boost with co-funding for more than 100 EV chargers across New Zealand, with many planned to be up and running on key holiday routes by Christmas this year.
Dr Megan Woods, Minister of Energy and Resources, has confirmed 16 projects will receive co-funding from round six – destination charging, round nine – journey charging and round 10 – charging hubs of the low-emission transport fund (LETF).
“New chargers will be situated at places like shopping centres where people may be parked for up to a couple of hours,” says Woods, pictured.
“To help with longer journeys, the government is co-funding high-speed chargers on main highways at 19 popular holiday routes including Bombay, Turangi and Wanaka. Also included are the country’s first charging hubs where up to 10 high-speed chargers will sit alongside amenities, such as food options and toilets.”
Altogether, the 16 projects will receive $11 million in government co-funding, matched by $13.5m in private investment.
“We are starting to bend the curve on transport emissions,” adds Woods. “Latest data shows emissions from household vehicle use fell 2.5 per cent in the December 2022 quarter. We want to not only continue that downward trend, but accelerate its pace.”
