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.
-Ends-