The ELECTRIC EVOLUTION
We might paddle well above our potential in the Olympics, but New Zealanders top the tables in many other fields, too. One of them is car ownership. According to a new study by UK insurance aggregator confused.com, we have the most cars per capita in the world. Their research claims we have 912 cars for every 1000 people. The United States has 328.
Given our recent form, perhaps it should be no surprise that we’re snapping up vehicles as if they were toilet rolls during a lockdown. Electric vehicles (EVs) are leading the charge, selling more in July than in the first seven months of last year combined. But here’s the rub: the antithesis of the EV – the ubiquitous fossil-fuel-guzzling double-cab ute – had record sales as well. Although we bought 760 pure electric cars, 431 plug-in hybrids and 1163 hybrids in July, we also scooped up 1418 Ford Rangers, the highest-selling single model. And another 806 Toyota Hiluxes.
Although we bought 760 pure electric cars, 431 plug-in hybrids and 1163 hybrids in July, we also scooped up 1418 Ford Rangers, the highest-selling single model. And another 806 Toyota Hiluxes.
The bump in EV and ute sales had a simple explanation: the Government’s “feebate” scheme, which promises rebates of nearly $8700 on newly imported light electric vehicles, and smaller amounts for plug-in electric hybrids. From January, the rebates will be extended to all low-emission cars, including hybrids that don’t plug in. However, high-polluting vehicles such as the Ranger and the Hilux will be whacked with an extra fee of up to $5875 for a top-of-the-range model.
There’s still a long way to go to meet the Climate Change Commission’s recommendation of phasing out
