Abstract
Understanding the potential growth of EVs in the New Zealand market is of great interest to a wide range of stakeholders. Aside from the direct impact on the new and used car markets, it could also reduce NZ’s dependence on oil imports, increase demand for electricity, and offer new opportunities for managing electricity demand in distribution networks. It is important for businesses, the energy sector, and national and local governments to be able to plan for EV uptake.
This report provides insights into Kiwi appetite for EVs and barriers to uptake. We draw from four pieces of research undertaken as part of the GREEN Grid (GG) and Energy Cultures (EC) research projects:
1. Dr Scott carried out interviews with 23 people who have already purchased, who have a strong interest to purchase, or have rejected EVs (GG)
2. Dr Williams ran an online survey and choice modelling experiment with 2000 people (500 of whom we questioned about EVs specifically) (GG)
3. Associate Professor Wooliscroft ran a national survey of 2278 households which included questions about interest in EVs (EC)
4. Dr Rees carried out Systems Dynamics (SD) modelling using these findings and insights from transport experts to explore influences on the rate of growth of EVs in the light vehicle fleet (GG)