Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more popular, and they offer a cleaner, more sustainable future. New Zealand is well-placed to benefit from EVs because more than 80% of our electricity is generated from renewable sources and there is enough supply for the widespread adoption of EVs.
Research shows that pure EVs have around 60% fewer carbon dioxide emissions than petrol vehicles and around 80% fewer carbon dioxide emissions when driven in New Zealand. So why are people worried about investing in them?
One of the most common reasons for people not considering an EV is something called ‘electric vehicle range anxiety’. This is when an EV battery charge is low, and the usual sources of electricity are unavailable. It sparks a fear of getting stranded somewhere, which adds time, inconvenience, and stress to a journey.
EV range anxiety is understandable; after all, we experience something similar with petrol vehicles when the dreaded empty light comes on and there’s not a petrol station in sight. Of course, there’s a slight difference because there are still more petrol stations than charging stations currently.
Range anxiety can be a problem, but the good news is that there are some things you can do to reduce the perceived stress of owning an EV.
Consider getting a plug-in hybrid
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have a rechargeable battery along with a traditional internal-combustion engine that kicks in if the vehicle runs out of battery power. As long as you can recharge your PHEV or find a gas station when the fuel tank gets low, you won’t be stranded.
PHEVs are also recharged using a standard household electric outlet, so you won’t need any special equipment, apart from the charging cord that came with your vehicle.
Install a home charging station
The most economical way to run your EV is to charge it at home during off-peak hours. This is when electricity demand is at its lowest across New Zealand. Charging at home overnight is also a great way to ensure you have enough charge to get you to where you need to be the following day.
There are two types of charging stations you can opt for: a wall-mounted unit or a portable 3-pin cable. A wall-mounted unit is a dedicated charging unit that makes charging your EV simple, safe and efficient.
A portable 3-pin cable is provided with your EV and these are typically used when other charging options aren’t available. Bear in mind that they are slower at charging than wall-mounted units and commercial chargers.
Find your range
It’s important to know how far your EV can go before it needs to be charged. Let’s look at the new Nissan Leaf as an example. When fully charged, its range is approximately 247kms, which is just over the distance from Auckland Central to Rotorua (227km). However, factors such as using air conditioning or carrying heavy luggage can drain the battery faster.
Planning is important
EVs are fine to use if you’re going on a long road trip – it just requires a bit more preparation. Use websites such as ChargeNet or Plugshare to find charging stations on your route so you know where you need to stop to charge your vehicle.
While this may seem tedious, it’s a great excuse for a break. After all, taking regular breaks on long road trips will help you drive safely and stay focused on the road too.
While it may seem a bit daunting now, it’s important to remember that we will adapt and get used to the concept of electrical mobility. Over time, there will be more charging stations available, and we will become more familiar with the range of electric vehicles, so rang anxiety will become less of an issue.