Six reasons to go electric

Time is running out to make the most of the Government’s rebate on electric vehicles.

Rebates are available to anyone purchasing an EV or plug-in hybrid EV — up to $8625 for new vehicles and up to $3450 for used, but only before 31 March this year. The discount applies to cars with a star safety rating of at least three, and under $80,000.

Slash greenhouse gas emissions
EVs emit 80 percent less CO2 than an equivalent petrol vehicle when being driven in New Zealand because electricity generated here is typically at least 80 percent renewable (mostly from hydro, geothermal and wind).

Lower lifecycle emissions
Battery EVs emit 60 percent fewer climate-changing emissions over their full life cycle than petrol vehicles, even when you take into account raw material extraction, battery manufacture, vehicle manufacture and shipping.

No more petrol station visits
Charging at home is the most convenient way to keep your vehicle ready to go. For longer trips, there are public chargers at least every 75km on most of the state highway network. You’re almost never too far from your next charge, and the charging network is growing all the time, with a focus on covering major routes and increasing the numbers available.

Cheap to run
Charging at home off-peak is like buying petrol at around 40c/litre, depending on your electricity retailer. And battery EV motors have so few moving parts there is less to maintain or go wrong.

A zippy, quiet ride
With no gears to work through, an EV can apply full power as soon as you touch the accelerator – and there’s no engine noise. They’re great hill climbers and regenerative braking means they recharge going downhill.

Plug into any power point
Charge your EV inside or outside, in any weather, so long as all equipment is designed for use in New Zealand and for the conditions in which it will be used.

www.rightcar.govt.nz