Electricity beats oil as the fuel of the future

Electric Vehicle Symposia will emphasise the benefits of electricity powered vehicles

Auckland, 15 November 2012 – Increasing petrol prices are an issue left at the door of New Zealand’s first Plug-In Electric Vehicle Symposia being held next week in Auckland and Wellington. Showcasing the vehicles of the future, the Symposia promise to convince even the most ardent ‘petrol head’ of the energy efficiency, economic and environmental benefits of electricity fuelled vehicles.

Rob McEwen, Executive Director of the Association for the Promotion of Electric Vehicles (APEV), says there is a strong case for electric vehicles as the future of New Zealand’s transport fleet.

“While most homeowners are now aware of how energy efficiency can lower their monthly energy bills, car owners have not even begun to realise how inefficient their petrol cars are. As much as 90% of the electricity used to power an electric vehicle is used to make the car move, compared to 25% of energy used by petrol cars. At the same time, one of the most immediate issues facing motorists today is the price of petrol. Oil is a finite resource and sooner or later we will require an alternative.

“Electricity is that alternative and New Zealand can reap the benefits of electric vehicles in a way most other countries can’t, due to our abundance of renewable and available electricity. Electric vehicles are cheaper to run, cheaper to maintain and are great for New Zealand’s environment and ‘clean green’ reputation.”

The Plug-In Electric Vehicle Symposia demonstrates each of these things and answers all of those questions that need answering now that electric vehicles are on the horizon

What should our cities do to prepare?
How can electric vehicles benefit our business?
And are there opportunities for NZ Inc. to participate in what many believe will be a global growth industry?”

Symposia key note speaker Kiwi ex-pat Ed Kjaer, now Director of Plug in Vehicle Readiness at Southern California Edison and named by Automotive News as one of the most influential people leading industry towards a more electric powered transportation future, praises New Zealand for recognising the potential of electric vehicles.

“Unlike many parts of the world, New Zealand’s electricity is very clean as it is generated by hydro, geothermal and wind energy. Transportation and, more importantly, the country will really benefit from EVs connecting to this clean electricity because expensive imported oil will be replaced with home grown Kiwi power.”

The symposia bring together key national and global players in the electric vehicle industry for the first time in New Zealand, including government, motor industry and electricity sector representatives, corporate leaders and academics.

What: Plug-In Electric Vehicle Symposia

When and where:

The Cloud, Auckland November 22nd 2012

In conjunction with the Sustainable City Showcase

Civic Centre, Wellington November 23rd 2012

In conjunction with the Smart Energy Expo

Time: 9am – 5:30pm

Registration: $75+gst (APEV, SEANZ, SBN members), $95+gst non members

The Symposia are being hosted by APEV and sponsored by Wellington Electricity, EECA, the Motor Trade Association and the International Copper Association.

APEV will be offering Auckland Symposium attendees the chance to win a 30 minute test drive in a Tesla Roadster, a high performance electric vehicle. Wellington attendees will go in the draw for a YikeBike.

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