Minister on mission to boost EV supply
Michael Wood, Minister of Transport, has travelled to Norway in an attempt to convince carmakers worldwide to sell more electric vehicles (EVs) to New Zealand.
He jetted off on June 11 to attend the International Electric Vehicle Symposium and Exhibition, the world’s largest electric mobility conference and exhibition where policymakers, industry figures and researchers will discuss accelerating the transition to zero-emission cars.
The event is taking place in Norway’s capital, Oslo, this week and is being hosted by the European Association for Electromobility.
Wood, pictured, is one of the main stage speakers for the symposium's opening ceremony on June 13 and says he will tell delegates how the New Zealand government is putting policies in place to help foster EV uptake, such as the clean car discount and the clean car upgrade.
The government’s emissions reduction plan aims to cut carbon emissions from transport by 41 per cent by 2035 and for EVs to make up nearly one-third of the light vehicle fleet by the same date.
Dealers and industry figures in New Zealand have warned meeting the government’s targets will be a major challenge due to a lack of available vehicles for import and competition for EVs with other jurisdictions.
Wood also admits a key to achieving a carbon-neutral economy and slashing transport emissions is locking in a secure supply of EVs.
“My message to vehicle manufacturers is clear. New Zealand is open for business,” he says.
“We don’t make vehicles locally, so it is vitally important that New Zealand is seen as a viable market for low-emissions vehicle manufacturers.
“Through our investments to date there is great potential for the development of innovative new EV technologies in New Zealand, and we are in a prime position to work with globally-leading companies here to test and go to market safely.
“I will also meet with ministerial counterparts from other countries to discuss their experiences decarbonising their transport sectors and see what lessons we can learn.”
During his overseas trip, Wood will also visit Geneva in Switzerland to meet with officials from the Global Road Safety Partnership to discuss the government’s road to zero strategy.
Following that he is due to head to London to meet with British ministerial counterparts and departments to discuss their priorities in the transport portfolio.
Wood adds: “As we build our way out of our decades-long infrastructure deficit, we can benefit and learn from the experiences of others who have tackled these challenges head on.”
