Famous faces tackle EV questions

Toyota New Zealand has turned to some famous faces in a new online campaign tackling some of the most common questions people have about EVs.

Toyota brand guardians Paddy Gower, Dame Valerie Adams, pictured, and Gemma McCaw appear in “Far Out. It’s Electric”, a series addressing the charging, range, practicality and day-to-day usability of low and zero-emission models. 

The videos on YouTube show the trio joining three motorists, Jon, Angie and Bev, on real-life adventures and exploring whether an EV can fit into the demands of busy family life.

Susanne Hardy, Toyota NZ’s assistant vice-president – marketing sustainability and technology, says the campaign was designed to reflect that many consumers are still navigating the transition to lower-emission vehicles.

“We know there are plenty of questions about electric vehicles, and that’s understandable,” she explains. 

“For many people, buying a vehicle is a huge decision and they want to understand how it will fit into their everyday lives.

“Rather than telling people what they should think, we wanted to create space for honest conversations and real-world experiences. This campaign is about curiosity, not conversion.”

Gower, who has been driving a Toyota bZ4X for about 18 months, says the videos bring to life many of the conversations he regularly hears from New Zealanders.

“I’ve lost count of the number of people who’ve told me why they wouldn’t own an EV. Often, they’re repeating something they’ve heard rather than something they’ve experienced,” he adds.

“What I enjoyed about spending time with Jon was hearing the questions he had and talking them through as we went. 

“We weren’t trying to change each other’s minds. It was just a chance to see what living with an EV actually looks like and whether some of those assumptions stack up.”

McCaw says the campaign highlights the importance of helping people make informed choices because not every vehicle is right for every person.

“What I liked about the experience with Bev was that it gave her the opportunity to ask questions and see what an EV is actually like day to day. 

“Whether it’s something she’d choose in the future is entirely up to her, but it’s hard to form an opinion on something you’ve never experienced.”

Toyota notes it is taking a multi-pathway approach to lower-emission mobility by offering a range of electrified technologies, including battery EVs, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

Hardy adds the company’s approach is about giving New Zealanders choice.