EVs seen as a Key Part of a Sustainable Future

A Quarter of Kiwis See Electric Vehicles as a Key Part of a Sustainable Future, According to New Research

An independent nationwide survey* has revealed that many Kiwis see electric vehicles as a key part of a sustainable future for NZ, with 24% stating, “electric vehicles are the future” and 43% believing “it’s a good start”.

Survey results show that electric vehicles generate a sense of excitement amongst Kiwis, which goes beyond perceived environmental benefits. Many participants were enthusiastic about the potential beneficial effect on living costs, significantly saving on fuel, fuel taxes, and road user taxes, along with the general perception of lower maintenance and running costs.

The main three factors that generated excitement were:
• They are better for the environment (19%)
• Not having to pay for petrol (18%)
• Cost less to run than petrol cars (15%)

The main objection that New Zealanders need to overcome is the perception that the cost of buying an electric vehicle may be prohibitive. While this perception generally has been true, electric vehicles are now becoming mainstream and affordable, with Hyundai leading the charge.

Hyundai New Zealand General Manager, Andy Sinclair says, “The price of electric vehicles is largely determined by the fact that battery technology is expensive. It’s common for people to be put off by the fact that you pay more for an electric battery vehicle than a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, but it costs so little from a recharging perspective that the savings add up very quickly. That is currently an education issue for the industry, because the return on investment is very much there. Maintenance is a lot less combined with no fuel costs.”

Beyond the primary focus on the purchase price, concerns about electric vehicles were:
• Not enough charging stations (16%)
• Long recharging times and limited range (11%)

In response to public concern about limited charging stations Sinclair adds, “New Zealand’s EV charging network continues to undergo rapid expansion. There is no doubt that the number of stations will grow as more and more New Zealand businesses and the public adopt EVs.”

Survey results show that almost a third of Kiwis believe that a 200-350km single-charge range would suffice.

Sinclair adds, “As battery technology develops we’ll start to see driving range rapidly increase. We already have the award winning IONIQ which has a real world driving range of 200km, and we’ve just launched the Kona Electric, New Zealand’s first compact eSUV, with a driving range of over 400km.”

Sinclair concludes, “Eventually the benefits will outweigh the barriers to entry, and Hyundai will continue to champion the EV industry and be at the forefront of innovation and change.”

Ends

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