EVs come to the ‘Naki

Wet weather didn’t dampen enthusiasm for an electric vehicle showcase in Taranaki last month.

Around 250 people turned up to Tasman Prospect Park in New Plymouth to see a range of around 40 EV models, including Tesla, Audi, Ford, Polestar, Hyundai – even Porsche.

“We wanted to show diversity, we wanted to show people there’s an EV for everybody,” says organiser Justin Smith.

While many eyes were on the Hyundai IONIC 6 and the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the probable showstopper was the country’s only electric ute, the LDV eT60.

“They brought it along towing a jetski to show it’s not only a ute but has the capacity to tow as well,”

Justin says.

A firefighter by profession, Justin owns two EVs: a humble Nissan Leaf, and a more glamorous Tesla Model 3 Long Range.

“With everything going on with global warming, if you want to make a difference, you’ve got to make that transition from ICE vehicles to EVs,” Justin says.

“If we don’t change our fleet out, we’re never going to achieve zero emission targets.

“And the secondary fact is, it’s much cheaper to run an EV.”

The event is run with the Better NZ Trust, a group committed to encouraging the uptake of EVs.

As well as private owners, six dealerships approached Justin to take part, and he’s hoping the event, which has been run five times, will be even bigger in 2024.

“We might need a new area that’s larger, because we’re aiming to get maybe 50 vehicles – even more if we can.”