Electricarna 2021 – Getting Noticed

It’s no surprise that more than just a few ears are pricking up at the thought of buying an electric vehicle, especially after Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced “New Zealand must ban the import of petrol and diesel cars by 2032 in order to reach its climate change targets and de-carbonise the economy.” Electricarna parallels Americarna and showcases electric vehicles (EV) and E-bikes for anyone wanting to test drive and engage with local owners. All are welcome to attend this positive educational event at the Central School Carpark in Plymouth on the 27th of February from 1 to 4pm.

There will be a static display so people can walk around and talk to the owners about their experience in going electric. Melo Yelo, NPDC, Venture Taranaki, Powerco, Evolocity, and Sustainable Taranaki will be there along with special guests and founders of Charge Net, Steve and Dee West who will be showing their 2008 Tesla Roadster.

While EVs may not be the end-all-solution to our climate crisis, it certainly is a step in the right direction. A standard Nissan Leaf can cost anywhere between $10-20,000, and with $5 per charge you are looking at approximately $50 per month in moving around. Additionally, the service cost might be as low as $80 a year. So Evs are not just about cleaner energy, it’s a way to save money as fuel costs increase. Newer models such as the MG and SUV hybrids offer something for everyone, and there is an anticipated tipping point for consumers. As more EVs are imported into the country, the prices will become even more reasonable, so this is an opportune time to learn what is available in our Taranaki region.

A handful of Nissan Leafs, VW Golf, and a Tesla or two will be awaiting the arrival of intersted passengers. Bring your drivers license and your questions, as local EV owners will be at the ready. Stephen Hobo-Tuck is the local expert organising the event and also manages the EV Taranaki Facebook group for anyone who wants to continue the conversation. He is a wealth of knowledge on the subject of EVs and has a strong passion for cars in general. Not to mention, Phillip Brown, known as The Car Man, who sets up EV connections at home for convenient charging and also helps newbies with their first EV purchase, will also be at the event.

For those who may be interested in an Ebike, local expert, Ken Agar from Melo Yelo, will set up a course for anyone who wants to go for a spin. Bring a helmet and a keen sense of adventure. These experts are ready to share their passion with you and give you a friendly hand up to the future of transport.

For more, read Jamie Silks’s recent article Travel Better & Tackle the Urgent Climate Crisis