Electric vehicle (EV) registrations already exceed the target of 16,000 for the year 2019
EV talk magazine reported recently that EV registrations already exceed the target of 16,000 for the year 2019. While it is obviously good news to reach this year's target 4 months early, the target of 32,000 EVs for 2020 will be much harder to achieve, since the EV adoption rate has now settled at a linear rate of about 500 to 600 vehicles per month, rather than doubling each year, which would be required to meet the last two targets set by the previous government and reach 64,000 EVs by the end of 2021.
Switching our vehicle fleet to electric is one of the few low-hanging fruit in our transition to a low-emissions economy, because it could remove about 17% of all our greenhouse gas emissions. While EVs don't make as much sense in many other countries, particularly those with a high percentage of electricity generated from fossil fuels, NZ is uniquely positioned to benefit big time from the switch. Our electricity generation from renewable sources has already reached 85%, and our average fossil fuel efficiency is dismal (9.5 litres/100km, compared to 4.9 litres/100km in the EU). Thus every EV in NZ that replaces a fossil-fuel car makes a much bigger positive contribution, compared to most other countries.
Of course, even an EV is still a car on the road and contributes to congestion, so we need not just cleaner, but also less cars overall. I for one hope that I've already purchased my last owned car ever, and I am looking forward to car sharing schemes, like the ones already established in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland, where I can just summon a suitable car for a fair fare whenever I need one.
It’s Riddle Time – You Might Need an Extra Cup of Coffee!
Nobody has ever walked this way. Which way is it?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
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What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.8% Yes
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13.9% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
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