what is an ev?

Technologically superior.
Cleaner, faster, smarter, cheaper.
Welcome to the future of transport.

‘EV’ stands for electric vehicle. EVs are plug-in vehicles powered at least partly by electricity. This includes battery electric vehicles, (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). The term ‘EV” doesn’t just cover cars – heavy transport, marine transport, planes, scooters, bicycles and motorcycles can all be powered by electric motors!

EVs are rapidly gaining popularity because they have a myriad of advantages in comparison to internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs).

  • Thousands of studies have proven EVs to be better for the environment and human health.
  • With no clutch or gears EVs can accelerate smoothly and quickly; they often feel like you’re driving a sports car.
  • A fully electric car has fewer moving parts, so they come with less ongoing maintenance costs. In fact, there are about 20 moving parts in an electric engine, compared to nearly 2,000 in an ICEV!
  • EVs are very cheap to run because they do not rely on petrol or diesel – both of which are skyrocketing in price in New Zealand. Running an electric vehicle is equivalent to paying 24-40c/litre of petrol or diesel!

TYPES OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES

CLICK AND DRAG TO VIEW MORE

BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLES (BEV’S)

Fully electric EVs run on a rechargeable battery powering an electric motor. Their key differences compared to internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) are:

• No petrol, diesel or oil
• No exhaust
• No clutch or gears
• No spark plugs
• Very little noise

You can charge your fully electric vehicle at home or at multiple public and private charging points around New Zealand.

PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLES (PHEV’s)

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) use batteries to power an electric motor, and either petrol or diesel to power an internal combustion engine (ICE). PHEV batteries can be charged using a wall outlet or charging equipment, by the ICE, or through regenerative braking. The vehicle typically runs on electric power until the battery is nearly depleted, and then the car automatically switches over to use the ICE.

Because they have a smaller battery than a fully electric car, you’ll generally have less battery range in a PHEV, so you’ll rely more on fossil fuels for longer journeys. This means you only reduce your CO2 emissions by 80% for the time the car is running on the electric battery. However, you can recharge your car’s batteries at any power outlet; as long as you remember to charge it, a PHEV is still an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint.

CONVENTIONAL HYBRIDS

Standard hybrids are very much like regular fossil fuel-powered cars. The only difference is internal; the car can recharge its batteries by reclaiming energy through a process called regenerative braking or while driving on engine power.

These older hybrid models cannot be plugged in. They deliver substantially better fuel economy than their non-hybrid, gas engine counterparts in stop-and-go city driving, because they can recapture energy while braking. However, hybrids do not deliver significant fuel savings during steady highway cruising, and typically offer only the most fleeting—if any—ability to drive on electric power alone.

FUEL CELL ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Like other EVs, fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) use electricity to power an electric motor. However, FCEVs produce electricity using a fuel cell powered by hydrogen, rather than drawing electricity from only a battery.

Fuel cells have been used in various kinds of vehicles including forklifts, especially in indoor applications where their clean emissions are important to air quality, and in space applications. FCEVs and the hydrogen infrastructure to fuel them are in the early stages of implementation; while some manufacturers such as Hyundai and Toyota have released models overseas, no Fuel Cell Electric cars are currently available in New Zealand.

Cars

From small hatchbacks and sedans to family-sized SUVs and crossovers, there is an electric vehicle to suit every lifestyle and living environment in New Zealand. With an abundance of models available, and more arriving in New Zealand every month, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to electric cars.

Utes

Utes are a crucial vehicle for thousands of New Zealanders, and several electrified versions are set to arrive on our roads in the very near future. Tradesmen, farmers and lifestyle adventurers will soon have access to a more climate-friendly ute driving experience while drastically cutting operating costs.

Bicycles

An e-bike is just like a normal bike, but equipped with a battery and motor for extra assistance. Electric bikes have facilitated a mass return of cyclists to New Zealand roads and tracks. They allow you to go further and conquer hills with ease – all while having fun and getting fit.

Scooters

An e-scooter is a stand-up scooter powered by an electric motor. E-scooter sharing apps have increased the general public awareness of micromobility and driven sales of electric scooters for personal use. There are several different models available to use on ride sharing apps, or to buy in New Zealand.

Mopeds

Electric mopeds are plug-in electric vehicles with two wheels and a step-through frame. Mopeds are a convenient commuter option; in New Zealand, mopeds are allowed to use bus and transit lanes, and can be driven with a learners licence. An electric moped reduces the emissions of your commute and around-town mobility, while avoiding the costs, noise and maintenance associated with petrol engines. You can even buy a Kiwi-made e-moped!

Motorbikes

Electric motorbikes are fast gaining popularity overseas, and some New Zealand companies have already released their own models. EV motorcycles do not emit the loud noises or vibrations of gas powered bikes. With no clutch or gears, they are also much simpler to ride and maintain. With some models boasting more than 450km ranges, it won’t be long before e-motorbikes become a more popular form of transport.

Vans

Electric vans are suitable for a wide range of commercial and lifestyle purposes. There are several electric vans available in New Zealand, and new models are set to arrive in 2022 and 2023. If you are a business owner, switching to electric could save you a fortune in running costs and maintenance, while helping to reduce your carbon footprint. E-Vans are easy to lease through Kiwi fleet management companies, and have already been proven economic and practical in the New Zealand context.

 

Trucks

Currently, New Zealand’s heavy truck fleet contributes 27% of all transport emissions while only accounting for 7% of total annual travel. Electrifying our heavy transport sector will be crucial in ensuring a cleaner future for NZ.

All-electric big rigs, semi-trucks, box trucks, delivery trucks and waste collection vehicles with impressive battery range are already in production. These EVs will be seen more frequently on New Zealand roads in the next few years. Electric trucks will reduce noise and fumes on our freight routes, and minimise expenses for fleet operators.

Boats

From jetskis and standard hobby boats to luxury yacht, large catamarans and passenger ferries, electric watercraft are being manufactured and purchased in rapidly increasing numbers. EV boats are quieter on the water, accelerate faster than their gas-powered counterparts and require minimal engine maintenance. New Zealand has several companies leading the charge on the water, including Electric Boats NZ and EV Maritime.

Planes

Electric and hybrid-electric aircraft have great potential to reduce the environmental impact of the aviation industry. Several types and sizes of electric planes are in development and will soon be widely available for commercial purposes. Global aviation heavyweights such as Airbus have been exploring electric flight for over a decade, and innovative Kiwi startup ElectricAir is making breakthroughs in short-haul flight.