THE BRITISH INVASION - P. 03 - EV Talk
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THE BRITISH
SEPTEMBER 2020
INVASION *
*VIA CHINA AND GERMANY
P. 03
$3.2M IN EV FUNDING
P. 10
HYPERCHARGERS OPEN
P. 16
I3 LIVES ON
Drive your business forward with
1 EVS ANDCall Steve
BEYOND Owens
SEPTEMBER 2020 now on 021 947 752
| WWW.EVSANDBEYOND.CO.NZ
NEW ZEALAND FAILS
DISMALLY ON EVS By Vern Whitehead,
Publisher
N
ew Zealand is falling way, way behind the of just 3% and Poland a paltry 1%, according to since 1990.
rest of the world in its move to a fossil figures by the International Council on Clean “Labour has failed to deliver a single new
fuel free future. Transportation. policy to increase EV uptake. Their abandoned
New Zealand politicians seem blind to the “The south remains a problem,” says a car car tax actually slowed EV sales and, if
fact that 37% of the country’s emissions come industry executive. “No buying power, high implemented, would have punished those who
from transport and unless something is done unemployment, no growth.” could least afford it.
to promote EVs there is no chance of meeting “Exempting EVs from fringe benefit tax will
the country’s signed agreements regarding significantly bolster the second hand market
emission targets.
HOT NEWS
by giving Kiwis access to New Zealand-new,
When we were all despairing that anything
The current government has been particularly longer range, late model EVs.”
would ever be done in New Zealand to promote
impotent, not even bothering to show Stanford says National’s policy package is
EVs, National announced an ambitious EV plan
leadership by moving its own fleet to EVs and practical, supported by the sector and will
on Friday (September 11).
leaving it up to private citizens and companies deliver immediate positive benefits.
to wave the banner for EVs. EVs will be exempt from fringe benefit tax
(FBT) until 2025 to encourage fleet uptake, National believes more can be done to allow
Compare this with Europe, for instance, where the shift to fully electric, plug-in hybrid (PHEV)
and a road user charge (RUC) exemption will
tough new limits on emissions are forcing and hydrogen vehicles (FCEVs) sooner, its
be extended to at least 2023 under a National
manufacturers to switch slowly to production two-page EV plan states, possibly including
government.
of EVs - and face fines of 14.5 billions of euros extending the RUC break for six years rather
(NZ$25 billion) if they do not hit these targets National’s EV policy, launched at Auckland
than three.
by 2021. City Electric Vehicles in Auckland on
September 11, also includes setting a target New Zealand has more than 22,000 EVs,
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a collapse representing about 0.6% of the light passenger
of 80,000 EVs on the road by 2023 (four times
in sales of diesel and gasoline cars, but electric fleet, but that growth is slow and has been
the current level), allowing EVs to use bus
and plug-in sales are booming, according to impacted by the Labour-led government’s
lanes and high-occupancy lanes, and aims to
the Association des Constructeurs Européens Clean Car scheme, particularly its “feebate”
have a third of the government light vehicle
d'Automobiles (ACEA), the European car lobby, proposal, it adds.
fleet in EVs by 2023.
accounting for 8% of sales in the first six
The party’s EV package estimates the fiscal “The policy was poorly targeted with most of
months of 2020 - double last year’s rate.
impact at $93 million over four years. This the money going to drivers of smaller petrol
Norway now plans to ban the sale of new cars rather than EVs.”
includes $55m over four years in lower revenue
diesel and petrol powered vehicles from 2025.
from exempting EVs from FBT and $38m over The EV plan says EV sales growth slowed while
One idea discussed by commission officials four years in electrifying the Government fleet. buyers “waited for a rebate that would never
could see the EU match any national e-car materialise”.
A National Government will make EVs cheaper
purchase premium programmes as part of the
and reduce transport emissions through its A new EV licence plate will be introduced
coronavirus rescue effort. As capitals prepare
“ambitious” EV plan, says National Party by National for ease of identification and
to submit plans to access the €750 billion EU
leader Judith Collins in announcing the policy to allow EV users to access bus lanes and
recovery fund, that could encourage those with
alongside National’s transport spokesperson high-occupancy vehicle lanes, which National
low e-car penetration rates to set up stimulus
Chris Bishop and associate environment says it will implement immediately on state
programmes.
spokesperson Erica Stanford. highways and work with councils to have in
“The car industry will benefit from the cities if elected after October 17.
“We’re committed to addressing the issue of
ambitious recovery instrument of €750 billion
our transport emissions in a practical and See P18 for Drive Electric’s view on National’s
... while remaining eligible for financial aid
effective way,” Collins says. EV ideas and Labour’s “clean energy” plan.
under several programmes within [the] revised
Multiannual Financial Framework proposal,” a “This ambitious plan will make EVs cheaper
commission official told Politico. and easier to own without unfairly taxing Kiwis.
The growth in electric car sales is not because “We believe the future of transport in New
the coronavirus has made car buyers greener. Zealand will be zero emissions. Our ambitious
Vern Whitehead
Rather, it's that government coronavirus and comprehensive plan will encourage the
rescue programmes in big countries - purchase of EVs, create a thriving secondhand
including Germany and France - have EV market, support sustainable transport PUBLISHER
included special provisions to make electric infrastructure, and lower carbon emissions in
car sales especially attractive. New Zealand’s transport sector.”
E-market shares hit 26% in Sweden and Bishop says transport emissions are the
9% in both Germany and France in June. By largest driver of increasing greenhouse gas
contrast, Italy and Spain saw clean car shares emissions in New Zealand, having doubled
2 EVS AND BEYOND SEPTEMBER 2020 | WWW.EVSANDBEYOND.CO.NZ
MEGAN WOODS AT THE ALSCO E-TRUCK LAUNCH.
$3.2M FUNDING FOR
24 E-MOBILITY PROJECTS
E
lectric truck, bus and bike projects share Some projects to receive the latest funding To put a public 50kW DC fast electric vehicle
in a $3.2 million government funding include secure e-bike storage projects at charger in the North Island at Eketahuna,
allocation. The 24 successful applicants the University of Otago, Hawke’s Bay Airport, filling a critical gap in the network.
for round eight of the low emission vehicles Whakatane District Council, Big Street Bikers 3. ChargeNet NZ $153,515
contestable fund have been announced by (Wellington) and Invercargill City Council;
energy and resources minister Dr Megan Tranzit for plans to convert a diesel bus Two 300kW high-power charging ports for Bulls
Woods. to electric in Masterton; and Davis Food Installing one public dual 300kW charging
Recipients contribute a total $5m themselves Ingredients to buy two electric trucks and station in Bulls on SH1, enabling the newest
under the fund administered by the Energy testing electric and eutectic refrigeration generation of EVs to add 400km of charge in 15
Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA). technologies. minutes.
The new projects encourage EV and e-bike Among several other recipients are ChargeNet 4. ChargeNet NZ $237,825
uptake. NZ to install multi-connection 300kW high- Four 300kW high-power charging ports for
speed chargers at Smales Farm (North Kaiwaka
For the first time, organisations could apply Shore), Christchurch, Bulls and Kaiwaka;
for co-funding to install secure e-bike storage ChargeNet NZ will install two public dual
Mahu City Express for testing a battery leasing
facilities to encourage uptake, with five such 300kW charging stations in Kaiwaka in the
solution for electric buses, urban cohousing
projects approved. North.
development Cohaus will install two slow EV
“Demand for e-bikes is high, but we know one chargers as part of a car share scheme; and 5. ChargeNet NZ $213,575
barrier to regular e-bike commuting is having Critchlow Geospatial will develop software Four 300kW high-power charging ports for
somewhere safe to store the bike,” Woods to help fleet owners work out the cost Christchurch
says. effectiveness of EVs in their fleets. For two public dual 300kW charging stations in
“Decarbonising the transport sector This round of funding takes the total number Christchurch.
represents a huge opportunity to reduce the of projects funded to date to 163, worth a 6. ChargeNet NZ $237,725
country’s emissions and enable people to shift combined $27m in government funding,
to a different transport mode plays a part in matched by $55m in applicant funding. Four 300kW high-power charging ports for
that.” Auckland’s North Shore
Round nine closed on September 14 with
Woods notes a number of previously funded successful projects to be announced Two public dual 300kW charging stations will
ventures and spin-offs have hit the road in the December. go in Smales Farm.
last few months. The successful round eight applicants: 7. Auckland Cohaus (Surrey Crescent Cohaus)
They include Foodstuffs launching the first fully $5000
1. Central Otago District Council $76,500
electric heavy refrigerated truck in the country, Electric chargers for innovative Auckland
a NZ Post scheme to assist its contract drivers Electrification of the Central Otago Touring housing car-share project
to buy electric delivery vans, and Asthma New Route.
Auckland Cohaus (Surrey Crescent Cohaus)
Zealand buying EVs for its mobile nurses to Central Otago District Council, in collaboration is a group of individuals and families in a 20-
reduce air pollution. with ChargeNet NZ, will install two public home project in Grey Lynn, Auckland, who will
“The contestable fund encourages innovation 50kW DC fast chargers to unlock affordable buy two EVs (at their own cost) and install two
and investment to accelerate the uptake electric transport choices for tourists, slow chargers for a car-share scheme that will
of low emission vehicles in New Zealand,” residents, and organisations serving rural show how to reduce levels of car ownership,
Woods adds. communities along the Central Otago Touring car use, and emissions in a residential
Route - 394km of stunning natural and cultural development.
“The success of previously funded projects attractions from Queenstown to Dunedin via
shows that we can meet New Zealand’s the Strath Taieri and the Maniototo. 8. EV Transport $45,000
transport needs across a variety of sectors, Plug the Gaps - Northland
giving other organisations the confidence to 2. ChargeNet NZ $39,000
make their own investments.” Closing a gap - Eketahuna Plug the Gaps Northland will provide three
Continued on following page...
WWW.EVSANDBEYOND.CO.NZ | EVS AND BEYOND SEPTEMBER 2020 3
...Continued from previous page
public 25kW DC chargers, one at each location The University of Otago will establish a capacity. A mix of refrigeration technologies
of Mangawhai, Tutukaka and Matakohe, secure storage hub for 44 electric bikes and will be employed in Hamilton and Auckland.
as crucial back-up and to complement a maintenance stand, linked to workplace, The project combines eutectic refrigeration
the existing 50kW network. This will allow commuting and accommodation. The project with an electric delivery vehicle as a new
seamless travel for the popular Auckland/ will gather accurate usage data and enable innovative technology mix.
Northland EV route. Research shows that this more effective adaptation and scaling based on 19. Mahu City Express $200,000
will be used by e-locals, e-Aucklanders and human centred design.
e-tourists. Unlocking heavy EV fleets with battery leasing
16. Whakatane District Council $63,000
9. Higgins Contractors $120,000 Mahu City Express will partner with a specialist
Proving the case for replacing utilities with low battery leasing company to demonstrate a
Installing charging stations for EV construction emission vehicles hybrid ownership model to reduce the risks
and road maintenance trucks The Whakatane District Council will establish and costs (real and perceived) of transitioning
Higgins Contractors will install four fast 10 public onsite slow car chargers to support heavy vehicles to EVs.
chargers enabling the team to use EV lease an electric pool fleet, B2B visitors and public, 20. Tranzit Group $484,708
trucks (Auckland, Wellington, Palmerston and will also install a secure lockup and
North and Christchurch). More than 800 staff charging site for 10 e-bikes. Two fewer diesel buses, the potential for
will see these working, and messaging on the hundreds more electric buses
17. Customised Deliveries (2013) $218,060
trucks will encourage wider community use. Tranzit Group operates in excess of 100
Electrification of Customised Deliveries Auckland BCI diesel single and double deck buses in
10. Northland Regional Council
$34,000 New Zealand. The workhorses
of public transport in Auckland
Plug the Gaps - Waipu and Wellington, two successful
Plug the Gaps Waipu will provide conversions to electric will create
one public 50kW DC fast charger the option to fully electrify this
as essential back-up for the entire fleet and more.
popular Auckland/Kaiwaka/ 21. ChargeSmart $41,624
Whangarei EV route. It will also
reduce range anxiety for about 610 Distributed generation refuelling
short range Northland EVs driving model
from Whangarei to Kaiwaka. ChargeSmart will launch a solar/
11. Powersoft $17,500 storage (at their own cost) and
EV charging solution, designed to
Power Up Paihia refuel two EVs, power the site, and
Powersoft will install a public 25kW top up EVs during power outages.
DC fast charger near the tourist 22. Critchlow Geospatial $210,000
town of Paihia, serving tourists and LOCKY DOCK SECURE E-BIKE STORAGE AND CHARGING.
locals. Smart routing LEV powered by
NationalMap
12. Big Street Bikers $200,000
Critchlow Geospatial will launch
Locky Dock – a secure bike parking its Smart Routing LEV website
network to provide two years’ free access
Big Street Bikers (BSB) will to estimated operational cost
create secure dock-and-charge comparisons for fleet operators
stations with digital way-finding considering switching commercial
for active transport modes that vehicles from internal combustion
will accommodate up to 20 electric engine (ICE) to low emission
bikes at once at two Wellington vehicles (LEVs). The tool combines
commuter hotspots. Working geocoded destinations, load
in partnership with Mercury, parameters, fleet optimisation
councils and businesses, BSB algorithms, and New Zealand’s
hopes to drive rapid mode shift to most comprehensive transport
e-bike and e-scooter commuting; network digital 3D model.
CHARGENET NZ WILL INSTALL MORE 300KW CHARGING PORTS, LIKE THESE AT
reducing carbon emissions and 23. Turners Automotive Group
improving wellbeing. BOMBAY, AT VARIOUS OTHER LOCATIONS.
$97,500
13. Hawke’s Bay Airport $42,000 EVs on subscription
Fly In Charge Up! chilled delivery fleet Turners Subscription will purchase a fleet
Hawke’s Bay Airport will install four public Customised Deliveries Ltd (CDL) will add two of 10 used EVs to be offered to the public on
7.4kW AC EV chargers in the long stay carpark 100% electric delivery trucks to its chilled fleet subscription. EVs under this initiative will be
and provide secure storage for 16 e-bikes. for its Auckland deliveries. The project will help priced at the same level as a comparable ICE
14. Invercargill City Council $25,000 CDL encourage its owner drivers to electrify vehicle.
Invercargill Central City Commuter Bike Storage over time. The vehicles will be driven by a 24. McKay $37,547
Facility variety of drivers working two shifts, seven days The development of a fully electric utility vehicle
per week and will demonstrate to the industry
The Invercargill City Council will install safe McKay will convert an end-of-line utility vehicle
the feasibility of extended use of chilled electric
and secure storage for 20 e-bikes within the to electric by utilising a second-hand Nissan
vehicles for the “last mile” delivery of chilled
Invercargill City Central Business District. This Leaf drive system. This will reduce carbon
goods (meat and dairy).
will encourage staff and the public to actively emissions, reduce landfill waste and help
commute into central Invercargill. 18. Davis Food Ingredients $350,787 build public confidence that a larger, more
15. University of Otago $31,250 Demonstrate eutectic technology with electric versatile vehicle can be transformed into an
truck trial affordable EV. In addition to the EV ute, McKay
Changing travel behaviour: Establishing an ebike will implement a dedicated EV servicing
hub facility Davis Food Ingredients will trial two large
EVs with chilled, frozen and ambient storage department.
4 EVS AND BEYOND SEPTEMBER 2020 | WWW.EVSANDBEYOND.CO.NZ
EVTALK ACKNOWLEDGES
THE SUPPORT OF OUR
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BUSINESS MANAGER -
EVS & BEYOND
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Vern Whitehead
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WWW.EVSANDBEYOND.CO.NZ | EVS AND BEYOND SEPTEMBER 2020 5
NZ’S LARGEST
SOLAR ARRAY READY
N
ew Zealand’s largest solar project is like wastewater treatment ponds and it’s a
finished. great use of marginal land by Watercare,” ROGIER SIMONS
Vector Powersmart has successfully Simons says.
completed the build of a 1MW floating solar “I’m proud of the Vector Powersmart team for
installation on top of Watercare’s Rosedale delivering this innovative project that will help
wastewater treatment pond. our customer, Watercare, achieve its financial
The landmark system contains more than and sustainability goals.”
2700 solar panels and 3000 floating pontoons The array will be used to supplement electricity
and is visible from the adjacent Northern from the grid as well as cogeneration from
Motorway on Auckland’s North Shore. biogas, which is already generated on-site
Completion of the project marks an important from wastewater treatment.
milestone for solar in New Zealand, Vector The floating solar will provide about 25% of the
Powersmart general manager Rogier Simons total energy needed at the plant.
says. The electricity is used for pumping and
“This is a hugely significant day for the aeration for natural bacteria that help break
evolution of the solar market in New Zealand down the waste as part of the treatment
with the first megawatt-scale system now process.
built,” he adds. Vector Powersmart’s Rosedale solar plant
“Larger solar installations like this are is expected to bring about the reduction of
commonplace overseas and it’s exciting to 145 tonnes of CO2e annually – equivalent
see that sort of scale delivered here in New to the emissions from driving 66 internal Vector Powersmart, a division of the Vector
Zealand. combustion engine (ICE) cars in New Zealand. Group, is responsible for delivering landmark
utility-scale solar and battery projects in the
“Given the drive to decarbonise and use The Rosedale solar array will be officially
Pacific Islands, utility battery projects and
cleaner forms of energy, this project is a opened in October.
commercial solar and battery installations
milestone for New Zealand. EVs and Beyond featured the project plan in throughout New Zealand.
“It also demonstrates that solar solutions can September last year.
be found even in challenging environments
6 EVS AND BEYOND SEPTEMBER 2020 | WWW.EVSANDBEYOND.CO.NZ
WHEN THE WINDS OF CHANGE BLOW, SOME BUILD WALLS WHILE
OTHERS BUILD WINDMILLS
WINDS OF
OLD CHINESE PROVERB
CHANGE
We talk to Mercury’s Turitea wind farm project director Dennis Radich about the electricity gentailer’s drive to harness wind power.
W
ind is a free fuel, but do the capital to Puketoi which is
costs involved in harnessing it stack consented and his team
up? is working hard to get
Mercury generation development manager, that ready to build once
and project director of its Turitea wind farm the economics make
near Palmerston North, Dennis Radich, is sense for this additional
convinced the costs associated with generating investment.
electricity from wind are well worth it, Also looking good is
especially when looking long-term. Mercury’s investment
And the Mercury senior manager of nearly in Australian-based
11 years should know. After all, he’s led the company Tilt Renewables
team doing the sums and putting together the that is building the Waipipi
business cases. Wind farm, a $277m,
31-turbine development A WIND TURBINE BLADE ON THE WAY TO TURITEA
That’s even when the Turitea project with its near Waverley in South
total 60 turbines in the Tararua Ranges costs FROM THE PORT OF TARANAKI.
Taranaki.
an eye-watering $465 million, with moves to
develop another even windier site at Puketoi Like Waipipi, Puketoi
can have 160-metre tall projects.
further east nearer Pahiatua, with 53 turbines
likely to bring the total cost closer to $1 billion. turbines, larger than Turitea’s 125-metre ones. Radich also points to differences in peak power
Improving technology means turbines can demands between the two countries. Kiwis
Together they could generate about 1700GWh tend to have peak power periods in the early
annually – equivalent to about 80% of be bigger so fewer are needed to produce a
similar amount of electricity. Bigger turbines morning and late evening, while Australians
Wellington’s annual electricity use. In other often run air conditioning throughout the day
words, power enough for 240,000 homes or also need less wind to operate.
which favours solar.
760,000 EVs. Radich can explain all that and how it works;
suffice to say the ongoing advances in So how does Radich see the future of wind in
Turitea’s initial 33 turbines should be up and New Zealand?
running on the site in the second quarter of technology are rapidly improving wind farms
2021, with the remaining 27 turbines likely to while reducing costs. He suggests there’ll be more wind farms and
be finished in the fourth quarter of the same “It’s an interesting industry, with a lot moving more electricity generated from it.
year. quickly in the background,” he says. Handy considering that New Zealand’s hydro-
Of course, it hasn’t all been plain sailing (to use Asked whether big batteries will be needed electric dominated market is subject to risk
wind parlance) for Turitea. to store wind-generated electricity, Radich of dry years. A reason the government is
explains that Mercury’s generation portfolio considering options including pumped hydro at
Radich joined Mercury in 2009 when it was Lake Onslow in Otago.
building geothermal power stations, and his will be able to pair wind generation with the
brief was to advance the company’s next layer hydro generation from its nine power stations Radich sees Mercury growing its wind
of growth. on the Waikato River. generation portfolio, adding that it’s an
The water in Lake Taupo before it runs economic ally renewable power source for 25
At that time, Turitea was undergoing a complex or even 50 years on.
and protracted Board of Inquiry consenting downhill through the power stations is like
process. a big battery waiting to be used, and wind And Mercury is certainly stepping up in
generation will allow this stored fuel to be used that field, also recording a strong overall
The global financial crisis (GFC) hit just before better to meet demand. performance during a testing 2020 financial
consents were issued, flattening market year affected by drought and COVID-19.
demand. Mercury is known for being a major driver of
e-mobility, including EVs and e-bikes, using The energy company recorded a net profit
Turitea got back on the road in mid-2017 as renewable energy – and that’s where Radich after tax of $207 million for the year ended
wind generation economics improved, with the sees Mercury’s wind farms coming more into June 30 - down on the prior year’s record
business case approved by Mercury’s board in their own. $357m (including $270m from selling its
November 2018. smart metering business Metrix) – but healthy
He’s less of a fan about off-shore wind
Just as everything was proceeding at pace, farms like those overseas, adding that the considering drought across the Waikato
along came COVID-19. economics don’t stack up as well as on-shore catchment impacted hydro generation from
That meant Mercury as an essential service wind farms – the latter well suited to New September.
could continue to operate, but as Turitea was Zealand conditions. Wind, will therefore, offer another string to
considered a construction site it suffered And although there’s a market for solar power, Mercury’s bow.
further delays under level 4 lockdown. New Zealand doesn’t have the available land
Now it’s all go, and Radich’s eyes are turning and sunnier conditions Australia has for such
WWW.EVSANDBEYOND.CO.NZ | EVS AND BEYOND SEPTEMBER 2020 7
EVS REMAIN HIGH ON POTENTIAL VEHICLE PURCHASERS’ LISTS.
TWO IN THREE KIWIS CONSIDER
BUYING AN EV
W
hile 67% of Kiwis would consider households taking a look at their spending price of an EV decrease as more second-
an EV for their next car, that at the moment and making the switch to hand EVs hit the market.”
figure is down on last year’s 74% an electric vehicle might not stack up when Clark say there has been much talk about
- possibly because of COVID-19 hitting the they have cheaper alternatives during this incentivising Kiwis to purchase an EV, with
economy and people’s pockets. uncertain time.” the government discussing a variety of
That’s according to Trade Me Motors head Considering factors deterring participants subsidies.
Alan Clark in releasing Trade Me’s latest from getting an EV, the survey shows that “We expect this topic to come up again as
annual EV survey. money is key. “The initial upfront cost of an we get closer to the [October 17] election
Nearly 3000 participated in the survey which electric vehicle was the number one reason and work towards the government’s goal of
looked at Kiwis’ EV perceptions. participants said they would not buy an EV, 64,000 electric vehicles on our roads by the
with 69% of Kiwis seeing this as a barrier.” end of 2021.”
“While it’s encouraging to see such a large
number of Kiwis considering an EV for Other high-ranking concerns include range About 22% of those surveyed would most
their next car, this is actually a drop when (54%) and battery life (46%). likely purchase a hybrid as their next
compared to last year,” Clark points out. Clark expects cost to become less of an vehicle, compared to just 12% who said they
He says the drop is not surprising given the obstacle as prices drop in coming years. would most likely purchase an EV.
impact of COVID-19 on Kiwi’s wallets and the “While EVs have been around for about eight “A further 21% said they were not sure which
wider economy. years now, it’s only been in the past few type of car they would buy next – many of
“There are plenty of New Zealand years that we’ve started to see the average whom might be weighing up hybrid and EV
Continued on following page...
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Reliable and efficient
EV chargers
Contact us today - sales@nz.abb.com
8 EVS AND BEYOND SEPTEMBER 2020 | WWW.EVSANDBEYOND.CO.NZ
...Continued from previous page
TASTES HAVE CHANGED SINCE 2018, BUT THE NUMBERS PREFERRING AN EV HAVE DROPPED CONSIDERABLY COMPARED WITH LAST YEAR.
options.” consider an EV for their next car if they knew Clark says EVs may be better suited to city
Clark puts this shift down to three factors – about the improvement in air quality globally dwellers who have charging stations readily
technology, practicality and price. as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown.” available and don’t need to factor in things
However, Kiwis severely underestimate EV like towing which impact on a car’s range.
“With recent developments, we are seeing
owners of plug-in hybrid cars now using range – similar to what an Electric Vehicle Other interesting facts:
the electric function almost exclusively, but Council survey found among Australians. • EV watchlist ads were up by 26% in July
still preferring the flexibility of being able to On average, range expectations were 43% when compared with the same month in
switch to fuel should they want to.” lower than actual capability, Clark explains. 2019.
Lower ongoing costs and environmental He says some guessed models like the • EV listings were up by 1% in July when
reasons were key for Kiwis buying a hybrid, Nissan Leaf could travel 168km on a full compared with the same month in 2019.
but size and practicality are another priority. charge when they can actually travel more • Of the approximately 65,000 vehicles
“With more models on the market, it is not than 200km. for sale on Trade Me, 4400 of those are
surprising hybrids are perceived as slightly “Educating Kiwis on this, and other electric.
more practical,” Clark says. perceived barriers to purchase, will be a vital • The average price for an EV in July was
“It will be interesting to see if this changes consideration for the government to meet its $17,070, down 1% when compared with
over time as EVs become more accessible.” 2021 goals.” the same month in 2019.
Hybrids are also cheaper to buy than an EV. Those who had driven an EV before were • The average price for a hybrid in July was
8% more likely to consider buying one, flat on the same month in 2019 at $14,122.
“In July, the average price of a hybrid was
increasing to 13% if friends or family owned
$14,122, while the average price of an EV • The average price for a plug-in hybrid in
one.
was $17,070,” Clark adds. July was $31,292, up 6% when compared
“On the other hand, Kiwis were 15% more with the same month in 2019.
He says it’s fascinating to see New
likely to buy a petrol or diesel car next if
Zealanders’ love for the environment (22%) • Participants that cited brand as an
they did not have family or friends that
trumping cost savings (14%) as a motivation important factor when they buy their
owned an EV,” Clark says.
to move towards an EV. next car were the least likely to consider
Of the age groups surveyed, Millennials purchasing an EV.
“The lockdown period had an impact on
(74%) were the most likely to consider buying
this too, the survey found that those aware • 82% of Kiwis that were considering buying
an EV, while Baby Boomers (59%) were the
of the lockdown’s positive impact on the a car before COVID-19 are still thinking of
least likely
environment were also more likely to buying or have already bought.
consider purchasing an EV.” Clark says. Aucklanders (72%) and Wellingtonians (71%)
were most open to EVs among the regions.
“Participants were 13% more likely to
WWW.EVSANDBEYOND.CO.NZ | EVS AND BEYOND SEPTEMBER 2020 9
E-MOBILITY TOPS THE LIST THIS MONTH.
WORLD EV DAY
BECOMING WORLD
E-MOBILITY MONTH IN SEPTEMBER
W
orld EV Day was celebrated in build greater support for EVs. their manufacturing processes has helped
many countries on September 9 The online event has provided virtual increase the average EV range.
– COVID-19 pandemic restrictions seminars on the topics that matter, including Battery prices have also fallen to help EVs
permitting. the Green Recovery and EV marketing. become more cost competitive with internal
However, it seems commemorations are Through social media and Worldevday.org, combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
continuing for the entire month. the event provides a useful hub for e-mobility Additionally, modern EVs have batteries
An online pledge campaign launched by ABB resources and insight on driving an electric that can receive high-power direct current,
and Green.TV leading up to World EV Day to future. enabling many vehicles to gain up to 96.5km
get people to commit to making their next Visit www.worldevday.org/ev-pledge for more of range in just four minutes of fast charging.
vehicle an EV continues. on the EV campaign. The average car owner travels less in a day
On World EV Day, drivers from more than Meanwhile, ABB has also launched the first (about 48km) than the fuel range of even the
60 countries made a firm commitment to in a series of Smarter e-mobility newsletters lowest EV range (93km), and owners can save
transition to an EV. outlining its leading e-mobility solutions. on time and money by charging at home or
The campaign encourages drivers to work.
A webinar about the role of EVs in Asia Pacific
recognise the crucial role EVs can play in cities and maximising integrated urban energy Charging overnight when electricity rates
advancing sustainable mobility, making a system benefits was hosted on World EV Day are low and when the car isn’t in use can
commitment that the next car they drive will by ABB and the Asia Pacific Urban Energy ultimately save on commute time and fueling
be electric. Association. costs.
Results show the United Kingdom leading the EVs and the infrastructure required to charge But what about longer trips or days where the
way with 29% of sign ups, closely followed by them have come a long way since the early owner travels further than the range the EV’s
India (13%) and the US at 11%. days of EV adoption, say Alexandra Goodson battery can provide?
Australia has 3% of sign ups – joint seventh and Alex Riley in an ABB newsletter post. Fortunately, the charging infrastructure
with Germany, while New Zealand is joint ninth Driving ranges have increased from a median to make your family road trip happen is
with Italy on 2%. of 117.48km in 2011 to 201km in 2019, not to becoming more common and available in the
New Zealand’s low showing is slightly at mention the recent reveal of the 2021 Lucid Air areas where you’re most likely to need them,
odds with the latest Trade Me Motors survey with an expected range of more than 804km. Goodson and Riley say.
showing 67% of 3000 Kiwis who responded Charging station numbers have also increased According to a Bloomberg New Energy Finance
would consider an EV for their next car. from less than one million in 2014 to over report, vehicle sales for EVs will be 58% by
However, that figure is down on last year’s 7.3 million chargers worldwide in 2020. This 2040, and players from the big names in oil
74% – possibly because of COVID-19 hitting means there is less fear among EV drivers of and gas as well as start-ups with high capital
the economy and people’s pockets. being stranded due to a lack of EV charging investors are working to install a national
stations. scale charging infrastructure.
“As headline partner in World EV Day, ABB
is delighted to see so many individuals from Evolving EV battery technology and growing Companies like Electrify America,
around the globe taking positive action by national EV charging infrastructures are ChargePoint, and Shell are installing charging
signing the pledge,” ABB Electrification enabling EV owners to travel further with stations in highway rest stops, big box stores,
president Tarak Mehta says. a greater sense of ease than ever before, and even petrol stations — decreasing the
Goodson and Riley say. average distance between chargers in the US
Mehta says an ABB fleet electrification pilot
to less than 112km.
has been launched, starting in the UK with “Ten years ago, we worried about how far EVs
other countries set to follow. could travel on a charge, where they would What’s more, the road-side chargers being
be charged, and how long it would take to deployed today are high powered with liquid
“The rapid transition to electrified, sustainable
charge,” they add. cooled cabling. This enables ultra-fast
mobility has never been more urgent,” Green.
charging to reach 80% battery capacity in 20-
TV founder Ade Thomas says. “Fortunately, each of these concerns has
30 minutes.
World EV Day has attracted many partners been addressed by new technology in electric
vehicles and in charging infrastructure.” The charging network is targeting stations in
and industry leaders in celebrating progress
locations where drivers can spend charging
made in e-mobility and accelerating efforts to The advancement of battery technologies and
time productively.
Continued on following page...
10 EVS AND BEYOND SEPTEMBER 2020 | WWW.EVSANDBEYOND.CO.NZHYPERCHARGERS
SET THE PATH FOR
EV FUTURE
The EVs that would use them aren’t here in numbers yet, but ChargeNet NZ is building
the charging infrastructure that will power them up just as fast as you would refuel a
petrol car.
N
ine more high-power 300kW ChargeNet one Chademo vehicle at up to 62kW, allowing
NZ chargers will follow the first two it charging for up to six EVs simultaneously.
recently opened at Bombay in Auckland. Specific EVs can charge six times faster than
They are said to be the first of their kind and on ChargeNet’s standard 50kW stations,
the fastest publicly available chargers in New enabling the newest generation of EVs to add
Zealand. 300km of charge in only 10 minutes. THE BOMBAY HYPERCHARGERS ARE THE FIRST
Seven more Dual 300kW Hyperchargers will be EVs which can use the Hyperchargers include OF MANY.
installed in Kaiwaka, Bulls, Christchurch and the Jaguar I-Pace, Hyundai Kona, Mercedes-
on Auckland’s North Shore following funding Benz EQC and Tesla Model 3.
help in Round 8 of the government’s low “One of the most often cited pain points for
emission vehicles contestable fund. EV owners is the length of time it takes to
Taupo will also get two of them after charge,” West says.
earlier Round 7 approval from the Energy “By installing more Hyperchargers across
Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) the country, we are removing an extra barrier
administered fund. of uptake and accelerating EV adoption.
“Despite the fact, there’s no EV on the New “Ultimately this will help New Zealanders
Zealand market capable of charging at 300kW, reduce their carbon emissions and work
ChargeNet is preparing for a future when more towards the goal of New Zealand becoming
vehicles can handle higher levels of power,” carbon neutral by 2050.”
company founder and chief executive Steve
The ChargeNet NZ story began in 2015, a
West says.
few enterprising Kiwis having the dream of
The Porsche Taycan is probably the first encouraging people to turn on to EVs.
production vehicle likely to use the 300kW
Through a mix of imagination, determination,
Hyperchargers when it arrives later this year,
and some clever software, they’re now the
as it has an 800-volt system instead of the
largest privately owned EV charging network
usual 400, and is able to charge to 80% in 20
in the Southern Hemisphere, with a network
minutes. STEVE WEST
of 196 fast charging stations available.
The Hyperchargers will allow EV drivers to
It takes between 10 to 30 minutes on average
quickly add hundreds of kilometres of driving per litre of petrol at the service station).
to recharge an EV using a DC fast charger,
range in the time it takes to stop for lunch and
although many EV owners will still plug in and ChargeNet NZ says it is committed to
a coffee, ChargeNet NZ points out.
recharge their vehicles overnight at home. providing and maintaining a world-class
Each station at the Bombay Service Centre can EV charging network to keep New Zealand
The cost of using electricity equates to about
charge two CCS vehicles at up to 300kW and charging into the future.
30c a litre of petrol (compared to about $2.16
...Continued from previous page
EV friendly trip routes can be found through Carbon emission free transportation is come.
apps like PlugShare, where stations are clearly becoming a reality, and the price for entry is Range anxiety is now a thing of the past!
marked, and the chargers reviewed by other falling.
Visit https://campaign.abb.
app users. While there is growth to be made in the EV com/l/501021/2020-08-26/ry3sr3 to sign up
With planning, and a charging infrastructure segment, drivers are already experiencing the for a free white paper “Smarter EV technology
including a high number of DC fast chargers, benefits of EVs. The infrastructure required for the future”.
a long distance EV road trip can not only be to support the emerging market is becoming
And visit ABB‘s E-Mobility solutions https://
enjoyable but also convenient. global and more convenient.
campaign.abb.com/l/501021/2020-09-03/
The level of freedom offered to EV owners is The world of EVs is expanding to make electric rzfn5k for more information.
quickly approaching that of ICE. transportation accessible and there is more to
WWW.EVSANDBEYOND.CO.NZ | EVS AND BEYOND SEPTEMBER 2020 11FIRST DRIVE
NUMBERS STACK UP FOR
MG ZS EV By Richard Edwards
W
hen you think of MG, you are probably
going to reach back to the sports cars
of its past - the very British MG B, MG
TF, the Midget, even the MG F if you really want
to be friends with your local AA man.
But expect the MG of the now and future to
be a very different thing. Now part of China's
giant SAIC, MG Motor is specialising in more
mainstream fare. Their local range to date
includes a hatchback and two small SUVs,
with more to come.
Oh and electric. Lots of electric. China's
automotive market has skewed massively
electric in recent years, with nearly a million
full-electric cars sold there last year. And early
indications are they are rather good at it.
Case in point is today's test vehicle, the MG ZS
EV, a small electric SUV which, as it stands, MG Motor country manager Anthony MacLean It looks modern, without standing out, and our
has stripped the title of the lowest-priced BEV told us they have no restrictions on supply. business manager thought the grille on the car
from the Nissan Leaf. The team here at EVs & There was a delay getting the first vehicles was 'beautiful'. Our initial impressions were
Beyond think it will really open up the electric here due to the need to get Bosch engineers, also that build quality is pretty good, save for
vehicle market to new buyers... but why? responsible for the MG Pilot driver assistance some clearly hard and 'cheap' feeling surfaces
system, down to this end of the world for inside, including where your elbow rests on the
The numbers quickly tell at least part of the
compliance reasons. The first cars are built door.
story - a 44.5kWh battery, a 250km real world
and preparing to ship, and deliveries begin in The seats are comfortable, but a reach-
range, and all for just $50,100 for early buyers.
November. MacLean says 200 should arrive adjustable steering wheel would be nice.
That makes it $12,000 cheaper than a Nissan
this year.
Leaf with a 40kWh battery (in fairness that Interior space is pretty good for a small SUV,
is the usable capacity of the MG). Once the And you are not getting some bargain- in fact it does not feel much smaller in the
introductory promotion ends an educated basement specification for your money. The cabin than a Hyundai Kona. Rear seat space
guess is the price will rise around $5000, still ZS EV comes with automatic headlights, alloy is good for two adults, as long as they are not
putting $7000 in your pocket over the Nissan wheels, a panoramic glass roof, synthetic particularly tall, and a rear-facing child seat
(as we went to press the price was confirmed leather seats - don't Tesla call them vegan? will fit without imposing too much on the front
at $55,990.) Plus, it comes with a seven-year, - with heating in the front, leather steering seats. The boot is an utter standout, 470 litres
130,000km warranty. wheel, an 8-inch LCD screen with Apple in capacity with an adjustable floor. Even at its
CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry and lowest level there is still room for the charging
And unlike the Leaf, this lithium-ion battery is
start and alloy wheels. lead and cables underneath. There is no trunk.
liquid cooled.
I think the ZS is a sharp looker outside and in.
Continued on following page...
12 EVS AND BEYOND SEPTEMBER 2020 | WWW.EVSANDBEYOND.CO.NZ...Continued from previous page
STEADY AS SHE GOES MG Pilot, the brand’s driver assistance system, Considering the bluff front and size of the car, I
The ZS EV drive experience is good, but is no Autopilot, but works surprisingly well. think that is impressive. As mentioned earlier,
unexciting, and that is no bad thing. Features include lane keeping, blind spot that makes the MG good for 250km.
warning, autonomous emergency braking When you run low it is not a bad charger
The motor, powering the front wheels, is rated
and adaptive cruise control. It has a couple either. The onboard unit is 7.4kW, while the
at 105kW and 353Nm, and will run it up to
of interesting quirks – the lane keeping is CCS2 port allows fast charging, including
100km/h in 8.5 seconds. You never feel short
quite strong and for some may feel a little above 50kW. Reports indicate that if you hit
of power, and it can squeal the tyres away from
aggressive, while the adaptive cruise control a high powered charger you will see up to a
the line. The big lump of torque means it pulls
uses the brakes rather than regeneration 76kW charging rate though only for a short
well up hills even with a family on board. It is
system. period.
not, however, and nor should it be considered
a quick EV. On top of MG Pilot, the ZS gets six airbags and If there is a negative in this space it is
electronic stability control. Officially it does that there is no charge scheduling or
The way it drives follows a similar theme.
not have a safety rating here, though the ZS preconditioning system. MG indicates they may
The ride is compliant, and the battery hung
initially held an ANCAP four-star rating for the have scheduling built into a wall box at some
under the car, makes it feel fairly planted. The
petrol version without autonomous emergency stage.
steering feels solid and nicely weighted, but it
braking. The EV has been awarded a five-star
doesn’t feel particularly crisp or engaging. It’s SO HOW GOOD IS THE MG ZS EV?
Euro NCAP rating in the same spec tested.
a comfortable commuter or cruiser. It is a sold all-round offering rather than being
EFFICIENT SURPRISE
Drive is selected through a dial shifter, pretty standout in any one area to the point that I
standard these days. Regeneration can be If you get the chance check out the video we really like it. There are a few minor issues, but
shifted between three levels using a centre have made about the ZS EV on our YouTube none that are a stop sign – especially at the
console switch marked ‘KERS’ – a term most channel. We headed out to test how efficient launch price. The debate has begun within the
F1 fans will remember – and there are three the car was on road, and were surprised. EVs & Beyond office as to whether one should
drive modes, ECO, Normal and Sport that just A 100km urban-rural mix drive produced a replace the beloved Leaf on our fleet.
vary throttle response. 15.4kWh per 100km result – not as good as
the Hyundai/Kia cars, but better than a Leaf.
WWW.EVSANDBEYOND.CO.NZ | EVS AND BEYOND SEPTEMBER 2020 13MINI COOPER
PLOTS ITS OWN CITY PATH
ELECTRIC By Richard Edwards
I
n the electric vehicle world, especially when
playing with new cars, it is tempting to
expect every car to be able to so everything.
I think it is a bit of a Kiwi trait - we rate our
car not on how good it is on the city commute
where it will spend most of its life, and more on
its ability to handle the once-a-year road trip.
The new Mini Cooper Electric is a car where
this attitude can work against it. In a world
where new EVs generally come with 40kWh
or more of battery capacity, and 250-300 or
more range, the Mini stands out with a modest
32.6kWh pack (28.9kWh usable) and a claimed
range of 233km. That sounds like not a lot, but
as Mini points out in its launch material the
model is "geared for metropolitan dwellers and
intra-city commutes."
It is also not exactly expensive - in context.
Based on the Mini Cooper S, at $59,990 it is
just a $6000 premium over the petrol model.
It is also nearly $19,000 cheaper than the i3
with which it shares its drivetrain - the battery
is the same as the previous '94Ah' i3 - but
gives away the carbon fibre tub and 11kWh in
the process.
If Mini is tempted to put the bigger battery in
the Mini, I am not sure that orange is worth the
squeeze.
The first models to arrive in New Zealand
have been dubbed a 'First Edition' - Mini loves
editions. It is largely as per a normal Cooper
S, so inside you get sporty part leather seats,
two screens, Apple CarPlay, heated front seats,
It is a Mini, don't expect it to be a family car. occasional, down.
funky switchgear and crazy coloured lights.
It is fantastic for two with luggage - just fold The wheels are very cool, an asymmetric
Outside you get a few trim accents to indicate
the rear seat, which I would describe as design that really stands out.
the Mini is very much an electric model.
Continued on following page...
14 EVS AND BEYOND SEPTEMBER 2020 | WWW.EVSANDBEYOND.CO.NZ...Continued from previous page
The motor, shifted to the front of the car from Green+ drive modes, equivalent to the Sport, figure for the car is 15.2kWh per 100km, but
the rear of the i3, produces 135kW of power Comfort, EcoPro and EcoPro+ in the BMW, expect higher, especially if you drive with any
and 270Nm of torque. It is good for a 7.3 the former giving you full power, the later form of zest.
second sprint to 100km, and while I am not sacrificing performance and climate in the The Mini is heavier than the BMW, and not as
sure it feels as punchy as a petrol Cooper S, it interest of efficiency. aerodynamically slippery. On a 100km mixed
is certainly nippy. You get Sport, Mid, Green and How efficient is it? Not particularly. The WLTP urban rural drive we recorded around 18kWh
per 100km, meaning a sub 200km range.
But again, does this matter? For those rushing
to order, nope.
Charging is a mixed bag. The Mini's fuel filler
is replaced with a CCS2 combo port. Literature
indicates a 35 minute charge time to 80%. The
actual charging speed is not great, we capped
out at a rate of 41kW on an ABB 50kW unit -
but the smallish battery keeps times down.
A pleasing note is the installation of an 11kW
onboard charger, rather than the 7.4kW unit I
expected to see. This means a sub three-hour
charge on an 11kW level 2 charger. A visit to
the mall will likely see you roll out with 100% in
normal use.
So the big question is, does it drive like a
Mini? Well yes and no. It is nippy, small and
great for darting through traffic and nabbing
that last small carpark space. But you can't
hide the weight of the battery, and it gives the
Mini that usual EV 'planted' feel. It means it
does not feel as 'chuckable' as a Cooper S -
but is still great in its own way.
Any other complaints? Not a lot. The ride is
a little firm, and there is no adaptive cruise
control as standard. Again, city car, remember!
There has been some suggestion the Mini is a
compliance car, and even BMW has admitted
in the past they were not originally going to
do an electric version until a new shared EV
platform came along. Sure, there are a few
compromises in electrifying a petrol platform,
but I assure you, Mini lovers reserving one just
won't care.
WWW.EVSANDBEYOND.CO.NZ | EVS AND BEYOND SEPTEMBER 2020 15I3 LIVES ON AS BMW
ENTERS NEW ELECTRIC TERRITORY
B
MW’s ground-breaking all-electric anticipates iX3 sales will ramp up quickly. As
i3, which debuted here in 2014, will an example, he points to the new Mini electric.
influence every electric vehicle the “The car is absolutely sold out and now we are
German company produces, says BMW New getting more and more orders.”
Zealand managing director Karol Abrasowicz- Whether the iX3 will also be a sell-out
Madej. depends on how the New Zealand economy is
“We may think that i3 is coming to an end of doing. Karol says it depends too on how well
its life cycle,” he says but when he looks at the public accepts electric vehicles and on
BMW’s plans, he believes “we will still have what incentives are available to electric car
that car on the market for quite a time.” buyers.
And when BMW discontinues it, “we will have To get greater acceptance of electric cars
enough other electric vehicles on the market to many parties need to come together. “Like, for
continue the successful story of this pioneering example, our endeavour with ChargeNet and
fully-sustainable car.” a core development of the infrastructure of, I
Its “soul” will live on in every electric vehicle think, now around 120 DC chargers across the
BMW markets under its power of choice country. We're proud that we've been in the
strategy, says Karol. game from the very beginning.”
The strategy will offer buyers a choice of petrol Ideas like allowing electric cars to use bus
and diesel combustion engine, plug-in hybrid lanes and giving them preferential parking
and all-electric powertrains in the same spaces in the city will help.
chassis/body. And government subsidies for electric car
The programme starts with the iX3 SUV. It’s buyers like those operating in Germany are
expected to arrive here early next year and in “an appealing deal for customers.” KAROL ABRASOWICZ-MADEJ
electric form has a range of 460km between If everything comes together, Karol says he
charges. believes electric cars can achieve a market
penetration of at least 13%. “So, I'm confident there will still be buyers for
“I’d love to see it (in NZ) this year, but I believe
our combustion engines, there will be buyers
we need to be realistic and think about next In a market where SUVs are generally all-
for plug-in hybrids, and there will be buyers
year.” BMW will start taking expressions of wheel drive, Karol doesn’t think the iX3’s two-
for a fully electric car. We will have a little bit of
interest in the car soon, but Karol won’t be wheel drive layout will be a hindrance; nor will
something for everyone...”
drawn on likely pricing. the fact that it’ll be built in China.
BMW builds factories where there is high
The iX3 will be the start of BMW’s major push “A lot of the SUVs that we are doing – basically,
demand for its cars and the Chinese market
into electric cars. “In the next 24 months we almost 60% of our total sales are SUVs – are
“is the biggest and is about to grow” and will
will definitely have a lot of electric vehicles; being purchased with, we call it an sDrive,
probably see “a very strong uptake of electric
and by the end of 2023, our company will offer, which is basically a rear- or front-drive.
vehicles.”
globally, 25 electrified vehicles, half of which “Looking at a city community like Auckland
will be fully-electric.” BMWs have the same level of quality,
– Auckland is around 60% of the total (car
regardless of where they’re built, Karol adds.
In the meantime, there’s strong interest in the sales) volume of the country – do we really
“interim car, the X330e,” says Karol. It’s a plug- need an X-drive (AWD)? “ “We can't afford to lose (customers’) trust.
in hybrid with an electric operating range of up BMW customers are premium customers,
The Power of Choice policy allows BMW to
to 60 kilometres, which he says in Auckland, is and we have a responsibility to stick to the
adjust supply according to customer demand.
“a very solid one-day of driving electric.” promises of a premium (brand).”
“We need to be realistic about the timeline of
New Zealanders are early-adopters, and he an uptake of electric vehicles.
16 EVS AND BEYOND SEPTEMBER 2020 | WWW.EVSANDBEYOND.CO.NZROOFTOP SOLAR PANELS CAN HELP POWER THE
HOME AND CHARGE UP EVS.
POWERED BY
THE SUN –FOR FREE
A
fter the COVID-19 lockdown in June, Moving forward, it’s rewarding to help
Solar Group changed ownership. Kiwis build their homes into green, humble
abodes, Driessen adds.
With the intention of expanding
nationwide, owner Roeland Driessen is “Barry, the consultant at Solar Group,
going full speed ahead into the world of promptly replied to our [solar] questions and
renewable energy. came up with the ‘best-fit’ solution to reduce
our power costs,” one happy customer says.
“I'd put my money on the sun and solar
power,” he says. “It's an infinite power “Our solar system was installed in just three
source that is free to use and the solution days. We are very happy with the outcome.”
for the 21st century.”
Conversely, the commercial cluster is a huge
Most would say that this is a huge risk to part of the equation.
undergo.
“The solar system has exceeded our
However, Driessen’s plans are huge and he expectations,” says another customer.
has great confidence that the future is in
“As a result of this, we decided to go for an
renewable energy.
additional 10kW system.”
With an excellent team by his side, he knows
Solar Group takes pride in its operations,
that Kiwis will benefit from Solar Group’s
sourcing its own solar systems and training
premium quality and cost-cutting solar ROELAND DRIESSEN
its own solar technicians.
systems.
This method of operation means that the
Whilst procuring the highest standard of
client is given the most transparent and amount of energy.
solar products, it has a credible record for
smooth sailing experience.
both performance and durability. These sustainable systems stand New
“Our new building will celebrate our ability Zealand in good stead as it is a cost-effective
“At the end of the day, the sun provides free
to recover, renew, and lead. This is a and a forward-thinking way of living, as solar
energy,” Driessen says.
response to our commitment to reduce our is getting cheaper and on-grid electricity is
“Who knew that the more we use, the better environmental footprint and innovate toward getting more costly.
it is for the environment.” the future.”
With the world adjusting to the “new
The company has installed the most solar norm”, working from home has increased
systems in New Zealand since operations dramatically. Evidently, this adjustment
SOLAR POWER IS GAINING began in 1986. indicates an increase in electricity bills, and
SUPPORT AMONG KIWIS. this has prompted the nation to be more
This has uncovered immense opportunities
in the industry for the team along with the self-sufficient.
potential the nation has to go greener. The world is moving toward greater
Currently, only 0.2% of New Zealand’s technological advancements, Solar Group
electricity is solar-powered. However, we says.
have more than enough roof space to power “And what better way to move forward than
the entire country, Solar Group says. to do it like a tidy Kiwi.”
Since the increase in electric vehicle usage, Check out Solar Group’s blog https://
solar power has grasped the attention of solargroup.co.nz/new-zealand-grid-parity-
drivers given that EVs consume a significant whats-next/ for more information.
WWW.EVSANDBEYOND.CO.NZ | EVS AND BEYOND SEPTEMBER 2020 17You can also read
