Electric vehicles building momentum The EVolution is in full swing. Electric vehicle (EV) sales are up 98 per cent so far this year, and eagle-eyed motorists will tell you it is commonplace now to see an EV humming silently through town.
The increased capabilities and availability of modern EVs has also spawned a new sub-category of car enthusiast - one that has the same level of knowledge, passion and pride you'd come across talking to any traditional 'car guy'.
This week there's an event for Kiwis passionate or curious about EVs, to learn about and experience the latest developments in electric transport: evworld NZ is this country's first electric vehicle exhibition and showcase, bringing together manufacturers, industry experts and enthusiasts.
It starts with an industry-only conference on Friday, but on Saturday the exhibition at the Vodafone Events Centre in Manukau is free and open to the public.
Guests can try rides and drives of electric vehicles. There will be models from Hyundai, Mitsubishi, BMW, Mercedes, Audi, VW, Porsche, Nissan, Tesla, LDV, Kia and Toyota - plus e-Scooters and e-Bikes.
It also features free seminars from industry experts to satisfy the concerns of the EV curious.
A common fear amongst EV owners is driving range. The Nissan Leaf (the most accessible EV model) has a range of 120-180km, making it ideal for city driving, but challenging for a roadie. A Hyundai IONIQ or BMW i3 sit in the 200-250km range, while luxury vehicles can reach 500km.
Battery technology is rapidly improving, as is the number of public EV charging stations.
ChargeNet NZ's nationwide network of EV charging infrastructure, along with Vector's recent rollout across Auckland is going a long way towards curing range anxiety.
"ChargeNet has built the only nationwide network of rapid DC charging in Australasia," says ChargeNet CEO Steve West.
"In the last two years ChargeNet has made it possible to travel from Kaitaia to Bluff in an electric vehicle."
Vector have made locating EV chargers throughout the country easy with the popular EV charging app with directions and charger information.
Other seminars feature Ministry of Transport advisor Brent Lewers, talking about the future of the car and how you can jump on board the EVolution.
Liz Yeaman, GM Transport at the Energy Efficiency and Conversation Authority, will discuss the cost of EV ownership.