Drive Electric launches new website

Thursday, 31 March 2022

Drive Electric has launched its new website ahead of the introduction of the full Clean Car Programme.

Drive Electric, the not-for-profit organisation dedicated to ‘mainstreaming e-mobility to support New Zealand's low-carbon future’, today revealed its all-new website ahead of the roll-out of the full Clean Car Programme on 1 April.

Not just concentrating on cars, the new website has also expanded to take in the wider subject of mobility, with Drive Electric Chair, Mark Gilbert, saying that as more consumers explore e-mobility, the organisation needed to enhance its website to support that decision-making.

The new website features a filterable search tool for all available new EV models in New Zealand to allow consumers to discover and compare EV models, an industry directory of businesses within the e-mobility ecosystem, and a new e-mobility resources section that the organisation says will “help people make informed decisions on every stage of the EV journey.”

Gilbert also said that further resources for commercial vehicles and e-bikes would be added in due course.

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The new website has been expanded to include e-mobility, as well as new resources for potential EV buyers.

“In New Zealand right now there are more than 70 models of new EV available, and we expect the arrival of more over the coming 12 months,” said Gilbert.

“EV registrations are up 55 per cent over the last year, and every day more New Zealanders are considering the shift to EV. EVs can be fuelled for the equivalent of 30 to 40 cents per litre of petrol. Naturally, pure EVs produce no emissions. The shift makes sense.”

Gilbert said that with the Government’s Clean Car Programme starting on 1 April, Drive Electric only expected demand for EVs to accelerate from there, and that of the models on the website, more than 40 were eligible for the new incentive.

'We are delighted to support Drive Electric with the development of this new EV resource,” said Andrew Caseley, CEO of EECA.

“It is very complementary to our priorities at EECA and in particular encouraging the adoption of low emissions vehicles.

“Transport makes up around half of the country’s energy-related emissions, and EVs will be a key ingredient in tackling this. It is clear that as EV technology continues to advance with cars themselves, at home charging, and public charging infrastructure, they will only become an increasingly attractive driver option from a cost and ease perspective too. “

A message from Transport Minister Michael Wood was played at the launch event, in which he said that the new website comes at a great time, following a huge increase in interest in EVs following the initial roll-out of the Clean Car Discount, adding that it currently was “the most exciting time in New Zealand history to be involved in electric vehicles.”

“We have a short window of time to make the changes we need to make one. That is why we have declared a climate emergency and whey we have launched the Clean Car Programme,“ said Wood.

“Decarbonising the transport system requires people to use their vehicles less, walking or using public transport more than they do now. We also need to clean up the fleet. We all have a part to play.”

Wood said that the Drive Electric website, along with Waka Kotahi’s RightCar website, provided an invaluable resource for consumers wanting to make their next vehicle the safest and cleanest one possible.