'This car can...' Check out our new campaign
New Zealand is one of the first countries in the world to reach an electrification tipping point, as prices of $3a litre for petrol and high gas costs makes electric homes more affordable than fossil fuelled alternatives. The Electric Homes report, from the charity Rewiring Aotearoa, shows that a combination of EVs and electric appliances are cheaper over the lifetime of the machines, even with higher upfront costs or a 5.5 per cent interest rate for finance.
Read moreDownload the document hereOn one side there's Meridian with its massive hydro scheme and array of renewable generation. And on the other there's Warren Begley with his 'power station' out the back of Formaggio's restaurant in Christchurch. Begley, a philanthropist, environmentalist and successful restaurateur, has fully embraced the Rewiring ethos and electrified as much of his own life as possible. And now he's electrifying a few more lives through a clever car ownership scheme for staff that is powered by solar, batteries and a fair bit of trust.
Read moreDownloadThe latest numbers, as at one week ago, there were 24 days of petrol and 18 days of diesel in the country. Things are looking to worsen for the foreseeable future, although an uptick in public transport use and EV purchases point to people taking things into their own hands.
Queenstown-Lakes landlords are being sought for a New Zealand-first pilot programme. The Queenstown Electrification Accelerator (QEA) is about to kick in to a solar trial, aimed at ensuring residential and commercial renters can benefit from solar power, despite not owning the roof.
Read moreDownload