what is an ev?
Technologically superior.
Cleaner, faster, smarter, cheaper.
Welcome to the future of transport.
‘EV’ stands for electric vehicle. EVs are plug-in vehicles powered at least partly by electricity. This includes battery electric vehicles, (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). The term ‘EV” doesn’t just cover cars – heavy transport, marine transport, planes, scooters, bicycles and motorcycles can all be powered by electric motors!
EVs are rapidly gaining popularity because they have a myriad of advantages in comparison to internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs).
- Thousands of studies have proven EVs to be better for the environment and human health.
- With no clutch or gears EVs can accelerate smoothly and quickly; they often feel like you’re driving a sports car.
- A fully electric car has fewer moving parts, so they come with less ongoing maintenance costs. In fact, there are about 20 moving parts in an electric engine, compared to nearly 2,000 in an ICEV!
- EVs are very cheap to run because they do not rely on petrol or diesel – both of which are skyrocketing in price in New Zealand. Running an electric vehicle is equivalent to paying 24-40c/litre of petrol or diesel!
TYPES OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES
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BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLES (BEV’S)
Fully electric EVs run on a rechargeable battery powering an electric motor. Their key differences compared to internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) are:
• No petrol, diesel or oil
• No exhaust
• No clutch or gears
• No spark plugs
• Very little noise
You can charge your fully electric vehicle at home or at multiple public and private charging points around New Zealand.
PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES (PHEV’s)
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) use batteries to power an electric motor, and either petrol or diesel to power an internal combustion engine (ICE). PHEV batteries can be charged using a wall outlet or charging equipment, by the ICE, or through regenerative braking. The vehicle typically runs on electric power until the battery is nearly depleted, and then the car automatically switches over to use the ICE.
Because they have a smaller battery than a fully electric car, you’ll generally have less battery range in a PHEV, so you’ll rely more on fossil fuels for longer journeys. This means you only reduce your CO2 emissions by 80% for the time the car is running on the electric battery. However, you can recharge your car’s batteries at any power outlet; as long as you remember to charge it, a PHEV is still an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint.
CONVENTIONAL HYBRIDS
Standard hybrids are very much like regular fossil fuel-powered cars. The only difference is internal; the car can recharge its batteries by reclaiming energy through a process called regenerative braking or while driving on engine power.
These older hybrid models cannot be plugged in. They deliver substantially better fuel economy than their non-hybrid, gas engine counterparts in stop-and-go city driving, because they can recapture energy while braking. However, hybrids do not deliver significant fuel savings during steady highway cruising, and typically offer only the most fleeting—if any—ability to drive on electric power alone.
FUEL CELL ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Like other EVs, fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) use electricity to power an electric motor. However, FCEVs produce electricity using a fuel cell powered by hydrogen, rather than drawing electricity from only a battery.
Fuel cells have been used in various kinds of vehicles including forklifts, especially in indoor applications where their clean emissions are important to air quality, and in space applications. FCEVs and the hydrogen infrastructure to fuel them are in the early stages of implementation; while some manufacturers such as Hyundai and Toyota have released models overseas, no Fuel Cell Electric cars are currently available in New Zealand.
Cars
From small hatchbacks and sedans to family-sized SUVs and crossovers, there is an electric vehicle to suit every lifestyle and living environment in New Zealand. With an abundance of models available, and more arriving in New Zealand every month, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to electric cars.
Utes
Utes are a crucial vehicle for thousands of New Zealanders, and several electrified versions are set to arrive on our roads in the very near future. Tradesmen, farmers and lifestyle adventurers will soon have access to a more climate-friendly ute driving experience while drastically cutting operating costs.
Bicycles
An e-bike is just like a normal bike, but equipped with a battery and motor for extra assistance. Electric bikes have facilitated a mass return of cyclists to New Zealand roads and tracks. They allow you to go further and conquer hills with ease – all while having fun and getting fit.
Scooters
An e-scooter is a stand-up scooter powered by an electric motor. E-scooter sharing apps have increased the general public awareness of micromobility and driven sales of electric scooters for personal use. There are several different models available to use on ride sharing apps, or to buy in New Zealand.
Mopeds
Electric mopeds are plug-in electric vehicles with two wheels and a step-through frame. Mopeds are a convenient commuter option; in New Zealand, mopeds are allowed to use bus and transit lanes, and can be driven with a learners licence. An electric moped reduces the emissions of your commute and around-town mobility, while avoiding the costs, noise and maintenance associated with petrol engines. You can even buy a Kiwi-made e-moped!
Motorbikes
Electric motorbikes are fast gaining popularity overseas, and some New Zealand companies have already released their own models. EV motorcycles do not emit the loud noises or vibrations of gas powered bikes. With no clutch or gears, they are also much simpler to ride and maintain. With some models boasting more than 450km ranges, it won’t be long before e-motorbikes become a more popular form of transport.
Vans
Electric vans are suitable for a wide range of commercial and lifestyle purposes. There are several electric vans available in New Zealand, and new models are set to arrive in 2022 and 2023. If you are a business owner, switching to electric could save you a fortune in running costs and maintenance, while helping to reduce your carbon footprint. E-Vans are easy to lease through Kiwi fleet management companies, and have already been proven economic and practical in the New Zealand context.
Trucks
Currently, New Zealand’s heavy truck fleet contributes 27% of all transport emissions while only accounting for 7% of total annual travel. Electrifying our heavy transport sector will be crucial in ensuring a cleaner future for NZ.
All-electric big rigs, semi-trucks, box trucks, delivery trucks and waste collection vehicles with impressive battery range are already in production. These EVs will be seen more frequently on New Zealand roads in the next few years. Electric trucks will reduce noise and fumes on our freight routes, and minimise expenses for fleet operators.
Boats
From jetskis and standard hobby boats to luxury yacht, large catamarans and passenger ferries, electric watercraft are being manufactured and purchased in rapidly increasing numbers. EV boats are quieter on the water, accelerate faster than their gas-powered counterparts and require minimal engine maintenance. New Zealand has several companies leading the charge on the water, including Electric Boats NZ and EV Maritime.
Planes
Electric and hybrid-electric aircraft have great potential to reduce the environmental impact of the aviation industry. Several types and sizes of electric planes are in development and will soon be widely available for commercial purposes. Global aviation heavyweights such as Airbus have been exploring electric flight for over a decade, and innovative Kiwi startup ElectricAir is making breakthroughs in short-haul flight.
FAQS
What kinds of EVs are there?
There are three types of electric vehicle.
- Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are powered solely by electric batteries with no gas engine parts.
- Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are low-emission vehicles that use an electric motor and regenerative braking to assist a gas-powered engine.
- A Plug-in Hybrid electric vehicle (PHEVs) is similar to a hybrid but has a larger battery and electric motor. It can also charge electronically, similar to BEVs.
Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are powered by hydrogen. They are more efficient than internal combustion engines and produce no tailpipe emissions.
As competition between manufacturers grows and EV efficiency improves, the various models on offer are constantly growing within New Zealand.
What is an HEV?
A conventional Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) uses a combination of conventional gas engine power and an electric motor. Most models can switch between a petrol engine and electric motor or combine both sources depending on the driving scenario.
For low speed, coasting or deceleration, HEVs mostly use their electric motor. When the engine isn’t needed, it shuts off altogether. This means hybrids are incredibly fuel-efficient as they only use the engine for accelerating, climbing hills, or when extra power is required.
Will an EV save me money?
EV technology is younger and more sophisticated than traditional fossil fuel-powered vehicles. So, while the upfront cost of an EV remains relatively high, you will soon pay off the cost difference between an EV and ICE, as EVS are significantly cheaper to run and maintain.
Additionally, New Zealand has implemented a raft of discount policies to reduce the upfront cost of electric vehicles. For example, if you register a new or used plug-in electric or hybrid vehicle in NZ for the first time, you are eligible for a substantial rebate. EV users are also exempt from Road User Charges until 2024.
Learn more about the cost of an EV here.
What is the EV rebate in New Zealand?
The Clean Car Discount Scheme is a governmental initiative to make low-emission vehicles more affordable for New Zealanders and accelerate the decarbonisation of the transport sector. Learn which cars are eligible here.
Where can I charge my EV?
You can charge your EV at home, at work or on the road. The public charging network is constantly expanding, with a public charger available every 75km on most of New Zealand’s state highway networks. You’re rarely too far from your next charge!
Can I tow with an EV?
Absolutely. In fact, electric vehicles are arguably better suited to towing than internal combustion cars.
Find out more about towing with an EV.
What happens if my EV battery runs out when I'm driving?
Running out of petrol or electricity poses the same problem; your car will stop. In the case of a gas car, roadside assistance is generally of help. Similarly, an EV can be assisted by AA roadside.
Much like you can always tell how much gas is left in your car, EVs also have a battery gauge to tell you how many KMs of battery you have left.
How long does an EV battery last?
Battery range depends on the type of EV, its barrier capacity, the types of roads you drive on, and your driving style.
However, a battery range of over 300km for most new EVs is within easy reach.
We recommend you use your odometer or google maps to record how far you drive in a typical day or week.
Can I charge an EV in the rain?
One of the most commonly asked questions about the safety of EVs is whether you can charge an EV in the rain. Because EVs are purposely engineered to withstand rain and water intrusion, you can charge your electric vehicle inside or out, rain, hail or shine, as long as all equipment was designed for usage in New Zealand and is installed correctly.
Do EVs catch fire?
As with anything electric, there are always certain risks associated with fire safety. However, research firms have confirmed that compared to internal combustion engines, which have a 1.5% danger of igniting, electric vehicles only have a 0.03% chance.
EVs include battery management systems to maintain the correct operating temperature, and those systems control how fast batteries charge and discharge to keep you safe!
Can EVs drive through water?
The short answer is yes, they can!
EVs are just as capable in water as their gas-powered counterparts. Electric vehicles are equipped with ingress protection systems, meaning that EVs can wade through about 3ft of water for 30 minutes without the risk of leakage into electronic components such as battery terminals. The protective systems will isolate the battery and high voltage components during the first detection of water ingress.
Can you tow with an EV?
Many EV manufacturers have not yet designed their EVs to be able to resist the forces towing imposes, as it is not a priority in EV design presently.
But with that being said, if an EV has a towbar, you can assume that it has the full towing capabilities of its gas-powered counterparts.
Towing with some EV models can affect performance, range, and economy, as towing with an ICE uses more gas.
To find out which Evs are best at towing, check out this link: lhttps://gearjunkie.com/motors/best-electric-vehicles-towing
Can I charge my EV using solar power?
The cleaner the power, the cleaner the car. Solar-powered electricity at your home or workplace makes even more sense with a plug-in vehicle. Learn more here
