New Zealand has earmarked NZ$3.5m (US$2.5m) to fund 15 projects for its Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund, highlighting the country’s Energy and Resources Ministry, citing the country’s major renewable energy potential.
The Fund was established as part of a package of initiatives to help stimulate electric vehicle uptake and meet the target of 64,000 electric vehicles on New Zealand roads by 2021. This first funding round was heavily oversubscribed with around 80 applications.
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“The funding will provide up to 50% for projects that will demonstrate and showcase low emission vehicle technologies in high-profile, visible ways to normalise these technologies and that can be implemented relatively quickly,” said Energy and Resources Minister, Judith Collins.
“Electric vehicles are cheaper to run than petrol or diesel vehicles and, because they’re powered by our abundant renewable electricity supply, they will reduce the emissions that come from the country’s vehicle fleet.
“An electric vehicle in New Zealand produces 80% fewer carbon emissions than a petrol or diesel powered vehicle.”
The second funding round, with up to NZ$6m available, is likely to open for applications in late February/March this year. The Fund is administered by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).
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By GlobalDataTransport Minister, Simon Bridges added the publication of guidance on public charging infrastructure for EVs is timely as New Zealand’s fleet reaches more than 2500, exceeding targets.
“The guidance will support public charging infrastructure by providing recommendations for investors and those enabling the development of charging station sites, such as local authorities.
“It not only marks an important milestone in the government’s EV programme, but will help reassure drivers EVs are the way of the future and here to stay.
“While we expect most charging will continue to take place at home or the workplace, reliable public charging infrastructure is crucial to provide drivers with the confidence to make longer trips. It can also influence the decision to buy one.”
The Transport Agency worked with local and central government and industry to identify recommendations to meet long-term needs of EV drivers.
“Central to the recommendations was ensuring they took into account emerging fast-charge technology and overseas market shifts, learning from the failures and successes of other countries,” noted Bridges.
“This guidance supports the development and roll-out of public charging infrastructure and is part the government-industry programme to help reach 64,000 EVs in New Zealand by the end of 2021.”
