[PRESS RELEASE] DRIVE ELECTRIC: NEW ZEALAND IS NOW ON THE MAP FOR EV MANUFACTURERS

Press release 
13th June 2021 

DRIVE ELECTRIC: NEW ZEALAND IS NOW ON THE MAP FOR EV MANUFACTURERS

Sunday 13th June, AUCKLAND: Mark Gilbert, Chair of Drive Electric says, “Drive Electric congratulates the Government on today’s announcement of an incentive for electric vehicles, to go alongside new emissions standards.

“Taken together, the emissions standards and consumer incentive, puts New Zealand on the map for electric vehicle manufacturers. We are telling them, New Zealand is a serious market for electric vehicles and we want that supply. We are looking forward to them bringing in new ranges and models.

“For consumers, EVs are already cheaper over their lifetime than a petrol car, however the upfront costs are a barrier for the time being. This incentive levels the playing field between electric and petrol.

“It’s so important that we get EVs on the roads now, if we want to combat climate change. Any car bought today will be on our roads for the next 15 years. If that car is a petrol car it will keep polluting into the 2030s.

“The fleets owned by businesses and governments can also move more quickly towards electric vehicles. They will be an important source of secondhand EVs for New Zealanders. Having second hand vehicles available are an important part of making a climate friendly future accessible to many.

“While the incentive is another important milestone, we cannot overlook the complexity of this challenge. We need electricity and charging infrastructure to meet new demand. We also need more walking, cycling, e-bikes and ride sharing. EVs alone won’t get us to a zero emissions transport system.

“We are looking for this detail in the Government’s response to the Climate Change Commission’s report in their Emissions Reduction Plan. Drive Electric members stand by ready to assist.”

Notes:
Minister Wood and Minister Shaw are making this announcement at 11am on Sunday at Vector, Carlton Gore Road, Auckland.
Drive Electric Board Chair Mark Gilbert will be attending this announcement and making remarks there.
Mark is available for interviews on 021 972 244.

ENDS
For more information, contact:
Drive Electric Chairman,
Mark Gilbert
021 972 244
mark@driveelectric.org.nz