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