Electric truck's first public appearance at Kāpiti show

Electric truck to make its first public appearance at Kāpiti show

19 March 2013

New Zealand’s first electric rubbish truck will have its public debut at the Council-sponsored Sustainable Home and Garden Show this weekend (23-24 March).

The compactor truck is being built by Zero Emission Vehicles and Kāpiti will be the first council in the country to add an electric rubbish vehicle to its fleet.

“This is another first for a Council that has led the way on sustainability.” says Mayor Jenny Rowan. “Not only will this vehicle reduce carbon emissions and our dependence on imported fossil fuels, it will also reduce noise and air pollution.”

The truck, which will be used to empty public litter bins around Kāpiti, will be kept at the Paraparaumu depot where it will be recharged with cheap night rate electricity. Operating costs, including maintenance, are substantially less than diesel alternatives.

The vehicle, which is expected to be on the road in April, will have a range of more than 100km on one overnight charging and its battery pack is expected to last around 12 years with routine use.

The electric rubbish truck is just one of the attractions that is expected to draw record crowds to this year’s Sustainable Home and Garden Show. The annual show, which has become the lower North Island’s premier annual event on sustainability, will bring together many exhibitors keen to display their sustainable home and garden products.

A range of other electric and low emission vehicles will also be on show, including the Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric car and a RAV4 converted to electric drive by a local enthusiast.

Presentations, workshops and activities for kids will also be on offer along with food stalls and music.

The Sustainable Home and Garden Show will be held at Kapiti Primary School, Rimu Road, Paraparaumu on Saturday 23 March (9am-4pm) and Sunday 24 March (10am-4pm).

ENDS

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