Vector’s Electric Vehicles Out and About
Not long ago, it wasn't that easy to spot an electric vehicle. They seemed rare, like something only movie stars and
Silicon Valley entrepreneurs drove.
But now you can expect to see two highly visible Vector branded EV’s powering around Auckland city as Vector has
purchased two electric vehicles to run as part of their fleet.
Vector CEO Simon Mackenzie says EV’s are part of New Zealand’s driving future and Vector will be involved in how
customers charge their vehicles, whether it be at work or at home.
It also makes good business sense for Vector as EV maintenance and running costs are lower. "You don't have to worry
about timing belt replacements, transmission maintenance, fuel injectors, gasket replacements, oil leaks, exhaust
systems, and so on," Mackenzie says. And because most of the braking in an EV is done magnetically — to capture the
energy of the moving car and recharge the battery — the wear-and-tear on the braking system is less”.
Over time, EVs are cheaper to maintain, at about $600 to $700 per year (whereas gas-powered cars come in well over
$2,000 and scale up from there) and of course, the savings in petrol/diesel costs can be significant.
Vector has two charging stations in the basement of their Newmarket headquarters and the cars are charged overnight.
“Many of our staff are driving out to projects or meetings and these vehicles are perfect for these kind of trips. The
feedback we are getting is that they drive really well.”
Unlike other cars, EVs don't ramp up to full power. As soon as you turn them on, they have 100% of their torque.
Mr Mackenzie says Vector believes EV’s have a bright future with battery prices looking likely to come down in the next
three to five years.
ENDS