The Future Is Electric: How Global Shifts and Battery Tech Will Change Driving Forever

Why the World Is Moving Away from Petrol and Diesel

After COP26, the strongest message was clear: the world must decarbonize the motor vehicle fleet.

Major car manufacturers globally are committing to this transition. Many have already released multiple electric vehicle (EV) models — and some have announced they’ll stop manufacturing petrol or diesel vehicles after 2035.

At the same time, governments worldwide are introducing emissions penalties and fuel taxes that make combustion engine ownership less appealing. This is accelerating the move to cleaner transport options.

Where Hydrogen Fits In

Hydrogen fuel has a place in the green energy mix — particularly for heavy transport, ships, mining, and long-haul operations. However, hydrogen is currently three times more expensive than battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and presents challenges for everyday use.

Battery Tech Is Advancing Fast

Battery technology continues to improve rapidly. By 2025, we expect to see the rollout of solid-state “dry cell” batteries that could:

• Charge a vehicle in under 10 minutes
• Provide extended driving range
• Be more affordable and sustainable

Other innovations could also allow internal combustion engines (ICEs) to run on non-hydrocarbon fuels — keeping them relevant in a different way.

The Rise of Automation and Shared Mobility

The future of vehicles goes beyond just electric power. Increasingly, cars will be:

• Autonomous or semi-autonomous
• Shared through ride-share platforms
• “Computers on wheels” connected to the internet

This means personal vehicle ownership will decline, especially in cities — replaced by Mobility as a Service (MaaS) options.

Local Perspective: EMVC’s Role in NZ’s EV Future

These insights come from Alex de Boer, Managing Director of The Electric Motor Vehicle Company Ltd (EMVC) — Southland’s only fully dedicated EV company.

“When you buy an EV, the battery is the engine. It doesn’t need traditional servicing, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. Battery care is crucial to long-term performance,” says Alex.

Because replacement battery options are still developing, EMVC advises each customer carefully to match the right EV to the right use case.

Why We Don’t Recommend Older EVs

“We don’t buy or recommend older electric vehicles,” says Alex, “because they often have reduced range and are approaching the end of battery life.”

Bob Turner, Sales Manager, adds: “With the right battery maintenance and replacement program, EVs can potentially reach over one million kilometres in their lifetime.”

However, in Southland, where rural distances are greater, hybrid vehicles are often still the most practical option — and EMVC supports both.

Mobility as a Service: Finance, Leasing, and Ongoing Support

EMVC isn’t just about vehicle sales. They offer a one-stop shop for electric mobility solutions, including:

• Electric and hybrid vehicle leasing
• Finance-to-own options
• Expert advice and vehicle matching
• Ongoing support for long-term ownership

“In many cases, the running cost savings of an EV or hybrid can cover the cost of finance,” Alex explains. “This means there’s no upfront capital cost for most buyers — just a better way to drive.”

The next generation of transport is here — and we’re helping Southlanders lead the charge.

EV Battery Myths vs Facts: What NZ Drivers Really Need to Know

As electric vehicles grow in popularity across New Zealand, questions around EV battery safety, sustainability, and ethics continue to spark passionate debate. At The Electric Motor Vehicle Company (EMVC), we’re committed to cutting through the noise — so here’s what’s fact, what’s fiction, and what it means for Kiwi drivers.

🚫 Fiction: EV Batteries Will Create a Waste Mountain

Despite fearmongering, EV batteries are not destined for landfill. New Zealand’s Battery Industry Group (BIG) is developing a government-backed product stewardship scheme that tracks batteries from import through second-life reuse and eventual recycling.

Take the Nissan Leaf for example: after 10–12 years of use, its battery can still be used to power homes, EV chargers, or local energy grids. Counties Power is already trialing these “second-life” solutions to store power and improve reliability in rural areas.

🔁 Fiction: EV Batteries Can’t Be Recycled

EV batteries are 100% recyclable — the challenge is economics and efficiency. Traditional methods are energy-intensive and polluting, but research is underway to improve recycling tech. Local firms like Metalman aim to offer clean, cost-effective recycling across NZ soon.

A proposed fee at the point of import would fund recycling infrastructure and education. Battery circularity is already in motion — not an afterthought.

☣️ Fact: EV Batteries Contain Toxic Materials

Just like smartphones and laptops, EV batteries contain metals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel — all of which can be toxic. But the EV industry is rapidly moving toward safer, cleaner chemistry.

Dr Peng Cao from the MacDiarmid Institute confirms that new battery tech is reducing toxicity and cost. A Wellington startup, TasmanION, is even developing aluminium-based batteries — abundant, cheaper, and less toxic.

👶🏽 Fact: Children Mine Cobalt (and Much More)

This is sadly true — around 40,000 children work in dangerous mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo, often to extract cobalt. But it’s not just an EV problem. Cobalt is also used in:

• Oil refining
• Jet engines and prosthetics
• Smartphones and laptops

The EV industry is actively phasing out cobalt, and working to clean up the supply chain. In contrast, fossil fuel industries have no comparable accountability.

🔥 Fiction: EVs Emit More CO₂ Than Petrol Cars

Multiple independent lifecycle assessments confirm that while EVs require more energy to manufacture, they more than offset this through low-emission operation.

In New Zealand, where over 80% of electricity is renewable, most EVs reach carbon parity with petrol cars in under two years — sooner for smaller models.

🪨 Fiction: EVs Are Pointless if the Grid Uses Coal

Even in coal-powered grids, EVs are still more efficient. That’s because:

• Petrol cars convert less than 30% of fuel into wheel power
• EVs convert about 80% of electricity into motion

As the grid becomes greener, the advantage only grows. In NZ’s mostly-renewable system, EVs are a clear environmental win.

🤔 So, What Should Ethical Drivers Do?

No vehicle is impact-free. But choosing EVs is about doing less harm while improving air quality, reducing carbon, and gaining energy independence.

Before judging EV batteries, consider the true cost of oil — wars, pollution, corruption, and the climate crisis. If we don’t reduce transport emissions, we risk:

• 3+ degrees of warming by 2100
• Flooded cities, drought, famine, and ecosystem collapse
• Worsening economic instability

⚡ Why EMVC Supports the Switch to Electric

At EMVC, we’re focused on helping Southlanders and all Kiwis make smart, informed choices — whether that’s a new EV, a hybrid, or advice on battery care. We believe that mobility can be ethical, efficient, and electric.

Ready to learn more? Contact our team or visit our EV advice hub.

Electric Farm UTVs: Cut Costs, Carbon, and Noise on Your Farm

Earn Back Your Purchase Price — and Then Some

Farmers across New Zealand now have a smarter, cleaner alternative for on-farm transport: fully electric utility vehicles (UTVs) from The Electric Motor Vehicle Company (EMVC).

“It’s a no-brainer,” says Alex de Boer, Managing Director of EMVC, when comparing Hisun electric UTVs with traditional petrol or diesel options.

✅ Real Price Comparison: Electric vs Petrol UTV

A petrol or diesel UTV with similar specs to our Hisun HS5D (18.8HP and 120Nm torque) typically costs around $24,000 + GST. In contrast, our electric UTV is just under $30,000 + GST.

But once you factor in fuel and maintenance, the electric UTV quickly becomes the cheaper option:

• ⚡ Annual fuel savings: Up to $7,500
• 🛠️ Annual maintenance savings: Approx. $1,500
• 💨 Emissions reduction: Over 10 tonnes of CO₂ saved per year

After just one year, your petrol UTV could cost more than the electric one — and that cost gap widens every year.

🔋 Built for Performance, Not Just Savings

The Hisun electric UTV range is powered by lithium-ion batteries, the same tech used in leading electric cars. These batteries are:

• Rated for 2,000+ full cycles
• Low-maintenance with no complex petrol engine to service
• Reliable and quiet — perfect for farm use

Plus, the UTVs are whisper-quiet, making for a better ride and improved safety — no more ear muffs, yelling, or waking livestock.

🌱 Reduce Your Farm’s Carbon Footprint

Switching to electric also means cutting emissions. Burning 1L of fuel produces around 2.3kg of CO₂. On-farm, one UTV can save over 10,000kg of emissions annually. These savings can be used to offset your farm’s emissions budget.

🚜 Other Models to Suit Every Farm

For lifestyle blocks, garden centres, or smaller flat farms, EMVC also offers a dry-cell electric farm bike at $16,500 + GST. It shares all the key benefits of our UTVs — minus the extended range.

⚖️ Why Acting Now Makes Sense

With New Zealand’s government focused on climate targets, we’re likely to see increased fuel taxes and emissions penalties — just as we’ve seen with tobacco. That means the longer you wait, the more it will cost to stay on fossil fuels.

Switching to electric now means you’re ahead of the curve — and your investment pays for itself in just a few years.

💬 Want to Know More?

Check out our latest advertisement or contact our team to book a demo. We’re here to help farmers take control of costs, emissions, and the future of mobility on the land.

The Joy and Freedom of E-Bikes in Southland

At The Electric Motor Vehicle Company (EMVC), we specialise in offering electric and hybrid mobility solutions that are shaping the future of transport in Southland — and that now includes a growing range of electric bikes.

🚴‍♀️ More Than Exercise — It’s About Access and Enjoyment

“Traditionally, cycling was reserved for the moderately fit,” says Alex de Boer, Managing Director of EMVC. “Now, thanks to electric-powered bicycles, pedalling is no longer a barrier — it’s a gateway.”

With a geared electric motor supporting your effort, riders of all fitness levels and ages — even in their 80s — are now embracing adventures like the Otago Rail Trail and other scenic rides across the South Island.

⚡ 4 Levels of Power Assistance = Total Freedom

“You can cruise comfortably and conquer hills with ease,” adds Bob Turner, Sales Manager. “Most of our e-bikes offer up to four levels of assistance, giving you full control over your ride — whether you’re climbing, cruising, or commuting.”

🌍 Leading E-Bike Brands, Right Here in Invercargill

EMVC has partnered with Electrify.nz to offer a carefully selected range of high-quality e-bike brands, including:

• KTM – Austrian engineering for serious riders
• Gepida – Hungarian-made with Bosch motors
• Magnum – American comfort and value
• Black – NZ-designed for Kiwi conditions

From commuter bikes and mountain e-bikes to recreational cruisers, there’s something in our range for everyone — and in a variety of sizes.

🏞️ Come Experience It For Yourself

Electric bikes don’t just extend your range — they extend your freedom. Whether you want to replace your daily commute, ride trails with your grandchildren, or get back on a bike after years away, EMVC is here to help.

Visit our store in Invercargill and take one for a test ride — you’ll be amazed at how far (and how easily) you can go.

The Electric Power Revolution Comes to the Farm with Hisun UTVs

The Electric Motor Vehicle Company (EMVC) is proud to be part of a world-first by introducing fully electric Lithium-Ion UTVs — the same battery technology used in electric cars — now available for farming and off-road use in New Zealand.

“We’ve teamed up with Hisun, the world’s fastest-growing UTV brand, now represented in over 50 countries,” says Alex de Boer, Managing Director of EMVC. “Their Lithium-powered bikes are engineered in McKinney, Texas, and built in a world-class 160,000 sq.m facility in China — and they deliver everything a Kiwi farmer needs.”

🔋 Why Choose a Hisun Electric UTV?

• Zero fuel costs – Recharge via a standard 15A single-phase outlet. Plug in any time the vehicle isn’t in use.
• Reduce your farm’s CO₂ emissions – One UTV can save over 10,000 kg of CO₂ per year. This helps with Resource Consent and may reduce the need to lower stock numbers.
• Impressive climbing power – Handles slopes up to 31° with ease.
• Ultra-quiet operation – Keeps stock calm and ideal for hunting or early morning starts.
• Minimal maintenance – Fewer moving parts, no oil changes, and battery life of over 5,000 cycles.
• Real-world range – Up to 120 km per charge, depending on terrain and usage. Topping up during breaks extends range even further.
• Simple 3-speed drive system – Choose between Max Range, High, or Low speed. No gear lever or clutch required.
• Top speed: 45 km/h

⚙️ Built for Practical, Daily Farm Use

• ✔️ 1500 kg electric winch included
• ✔️ 4WD and 2WD modes with front diff lock
• ✔️ Rear tilt tray with 230 kg capacity
• ✔️ Tow rating: 680 kg
• ✔️ Ventilated hydraulic disc brakes on all four wheels
• ✔️ Independent 4-wheel suspension with nitrogen assist and adjustable damping
• ✔️ USB and 12V power outlets for tools or accessories
• ✔️ Optional sound system — no need for ear muffs!

⚡ Powertrain Options to Suit Your Needs

Choose from three motor options depending on your workload:

• 🔸 18.8 HP
• 🔸 25.5 HP
• 🔸 50 HP

All electric motors deliver instant torque and acceleration — no gear grinding or lag.

💰 Comparable Price, Unmatched Value

The Hisun electric UTVs are priced similarly to the larger petrol and diesel models, but with huge lifetime savings in fuel, maintenance, and downtime.

Factor in the environmental and compliance benefits, and it’s clear: this is the future of farm mobility.

📦 In Stock Now

“We have stock available and ready to go,” says Mr de Boer. Contact us today or visit our showroom to see the revolution in action.

Enjoy ‘Drivetime’ by Going Electric: Smarter, Cleaner, and Cheaper Transport

At The Electric Motor Vehicle Company Ltd (EMVC), we focus on staying ahead in the rapidly evolving world of electric and hybrid vehicles. “There are many options and concerns to consider, and we specialise in answering every one,” says Alex de Boer, Managing Director.

Electric and hybrid vehicles are undeniably the future of transport — from buses and trucks to even air travel. Worldwide, governments are committed to reducing CO₂ emissions to combat global warming, and eliminating petrol and diesel vehicles plays a critical role in this effort.

But there are many other advantages beyond emissions. “This technological evolution will improve safety, boost efficiency, and even change vehicle ownership models,” says Mr de Boer. “We’re here to show you how these changes can help reduce your transport costs and improve your budget.”

“We’d love to see Southland lead New Zealand in adopting these technologies,” adds Bob Turner, Sales Manager. “Currently, Southland is lagging behind, despite being largely flat and ideal for EV use. Air pollution isn’t just about climate change — harmful chemicals in exhaust also affect our health every day.”

Addressing Range Anxiety

Many people worry about the range of electric vehicles, but if you’re concerned, it’s likely you haven’t found the right vehicle for your needs. In cities, where traffic and stoplights slow you down, a fully electric vehicle is perfect. When stopped, the motor shuts off, conserving energy. Acceleration is instant and smooth, and regenerative braking recharges the battery — sometimes even adding more energy when going downhill.

However, frequent use of fast chargers can shorten battery life. “Claims about 15-minute charging with 300kW fast chargers aren’t entirely accurate — onboard battery management limits charging speed to protect the battery,” explains Mr de Boer. Fast chargers should be used sparingly for emergencies or quick top-ups. Most charging is best done with AC chargers at home, work, or your destination — and we supply these too.

At EMVC, we offer vehicles capable of covering up to 1000 km, costing as little as 10 cents per km to run. They’re also more affordable than some large-battery models that only offer 200-400 km range. Come talk to us — we’ll help you find the perfect fit.

Invercargill Ranks Last in NZ for Electric Vehicle Uptake — But It Could Lead the Way

“It is sad and difficult to understand that Invercargill ranks last in New Zealand for electric vehicle (EV) uptake, while our nearest neighbour, Dunedin, tops the list,” says Alex de Boer, Managing Director of Invercargill-based EV specialist, The Electric Motor Vehicle Company Ltd (EMVC).

Invercargill’s flat terrain makes it an ideal candidate to lead NZ’s transition to electric transport.

“Electric vehicles are the future of transport. Once you drive one, you won’t want to return to a traditional petrol or diesel vehicle. EVs have no conventional gearbox or starter motor, and their acceleration is smooth, instant, and very fast,” explains Mr de Boer.

With very few moving parts that wear out, these vehicles can easily reach a million kilometres or more during their lifespan. Even after their automotive life, EV batteries have valuable “second-life” applications.

Debunking Range Anxiety

“Many people worry about range, but this is often due to choosing the wrong vehicle,” says Mr de Boer. “Fast charging during travel should be rare and reserved for emergencies. Most charging happens conveniently at home, work, or overnight stays. Frequent fast charging can reduce battery life and cause inconvenience.”

Major Cost Savings and Environmental Benefits

Running and maintenance costs can be over 80% lower than traditional vehicles. “EVs are expected to retain their value well, especially as governments worldwide push to reduce carbon footprints and improve air quality,” adds Bob Turner, Sales Manager at EMVC.

At EMVC, we specialise in all forms of electric transport and offer personalised advice to address your concerns and find the best EV solution. We also provide flexible finance options including a 5-year lease with an upgrade at the end.

Why not visit us and chat about how we can make Invercargill New Zealand’s EV capital — a shining example for others to follow?

All About Automation: The Future of Self-Driving Electric Vehicles

As vehicle automation advances, onboard computers increasingly “learn” by sharing data and storing it in the cloud. This collective knowledge helps vehicles instantly recognize and respond to countless driving scenarios, eliminating the need for individual programming.

This technology has already enabled a vehicle to drive coast-to-coast across the USA without human intervention—a world first led by Silicon Valley innovators.

Connected Vehicles and Safety

All new electric vehicles come equipped with GPS and will soon communicate with each other to share locations and avoid collisions, especially at roundabouts and intersections. This connectivity could dramatically reduce road accidents and save lives.

Automation in New Zealand: Challenges Ahead

• Data Sharing Protocols: Vehicle manufacturers must agree on standards to allow seamless data exchange, but some may want to keep control to dominate the market.
• Communication Networks: The current 4G infrastructure cannot handle the massive data transfer required. New 5G networks, with speeds 100x faster, are needed but are expensive to deploy due to their short-range signals requiring many repeater stations.
• Liability and Insurance: Determining fault in automated vehicle accidents is complex. While accidents may decrease, new frameworks will be necessary to fairly assign responsibility and potentially lower insurance costs.

We stand at an exciting crossroads as automation promises to address rising costs, improve safety, and help fight global warming and pollution.

The 5 Accepted Driving Levels of Autonomous Vehicles

Alex de Boer, Director
The Electric Motor Vehicle Company Ltd