Electric vehicles offer benefits for NZ - Report

For immediate release: Wednesday 4th November

Electric vehicles offer benefits for New Zealand - report

Electric vehicles (EVs) are likely to play an important role in New Zealand’s future as consumers seek cleaner and cheaper options to petrol and diesel, according to a report released today.

The report, jointly commissioned by Contact Energy and Meridian Energy, and undertaken by Hyder Consulting (a consultancy in transport and energy issues), provides a cost-benefit assessment of electric vehicles in New Zealand.

Fuel cost savings for consumers, less reliance on imported fossil fuels and reduction in transport-related greenhouse gases are among the benefits of adopting electric vehicles and fuelling cars with New Zealand’s largely renewable electricity, the report finds.

“With so much of our electricity produced from renewable sources, and so much of our current greenhouse gas emissions coming from transport, electric vehicles offer New Zealand a real opportunity to reduce emissions without compromising on quality of life,” Meridian Energy Chief Executive Tim Lusk said.

The report suggests the adoption of electric vehicles will also enhance energy security, and benefit New Zealand’s balance of payments, with the demand for offshore oil diminishing over time.

"This technology can make a contribution to decreasing our reliance on imported fossil fuels and improve our energy security and self sufficiency,” Contact Managing Director David Baldwin said.

Meridian and Contact commissioned the independent report to inform future decision making and policy development.

The summary report is available at: www.meridianenergy.co.nz/AboutUs/News/ElectricVehiclesOfferBenefitsForNewZealand.htm

ENDS

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