Latest in electric vehicles to be showcased in Auckland

For immediate release

07 November 2011

Latest in electric vehicles to be showcased in Auckland

The very latest in electric vehicle technology – including a car not yet released in New Zealand – will be on display on Auckland’s waterfront this week.

As part of the two-day Sustainable Business Showcase, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) is sponsoring a renewable transport zone. Exhibited at the showcase will be:

• the Mitsubishi i-Miev – New Zealand Post has made its all-electric i-Miev available for view, and Mitsubishi is also offering test-drives. The i-Miev costs only $5 to ‘fill’ or fully charge (at a cost of 25c / kWh).

• the Nissan LEAF – not yet released in this country, the showcase is the first public outing for the Leaf in Auckland. It’s a fully electric five-seater that offers similar acceleration to 50km/h as a 3.5 litre petrol engine.

• the Toyota Plug-in Hybrid Prius – Toyota has selected New Zealand for a three-year global field trial of this model, which drives as electric-only for up to 30kms and converts to a petrol / electric hybrid over longer distances.
“Electric vehicles are a great solution to make New Zealand transport cleaner, lower carbon, and less dependent on fossil fuels,” said EECA chief executive Mike Underhill. “Electric vehicles are very efficient so they have very low energy costs – charging one up is like buying petrol at 26 cents per litre.
“In 2010, 74% of our electricity came from renewable sources, but not even 1% of our transport energy does. By powering our cars with renewably-sourced electricity we can reduce our fossil fuel use and carbon emissions. It’s fantastic that car manufacturers have taken this opportunity to display their vehicles so people can see for themselves what our clean, green transport future may look like,” he said.

Environment and Climate Change Minister Nick Smith will attend the ‘The Commute’ zone preview at 4.10 pm on Tuesday 08 November.

When: Wednesday 09 November 9am - 7pm - open to the public
(Preview for SBN Awards attendees on Tues 08 November 4.30pm)
What: Sustainable Business Showcase – ‘The Commute’ zone
Where: Shed 10, Queens Wharf, Auckland

Electric vehicle charging supplier JuicePoint will also be on site. The showcase features a range of other renewable and energy-efficient transport options, including cycling, public transport, ride-sharing, fleet management and the Honda Insight hybrid. Fuel retailer Z Energy is running a consultation exercise on biofuels and other carbon-reducing ideas.

The Sustainable Business Showcase runs alongside the NZI National Sustainable Business Network Awards on 8 November.

ENDS
Note to Editors:
The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) is the Crown agency that encourages, supports, and promotes energy efficiency, energy conservation, and the use of renewable energy in New Zealand. EECA provides information to households through ENERGYWISETM www.energywise.govt.nz and to businesses through EECA BUSINESSTM www.eecabusiness.govt.nz
To support the introduction of electric vehicles, the Government has waived road user charges until 2013.

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