As part of the Energy Cultures Project, Barry Barton energy and environment law expert from Waikato University led a comparative study with countries that have a high uptake of EVs, including Germany, the US and Norway. The study has analysed the incentives available overseas which lower the price of electric vehicles. There are just over one thousand electric vehicles in New Zealand and 142 charging stations.

The research on how to get more electric vehicles on New Zealand roads suggests a major change in government policy is needed, while there are a number of barriers to higher EV uptake, such as cost and charging infrastructure, more could be done at a central government level to get more EVs on the road, with price incentives for buying low or no emission vehicles.” (Listen to the Radio NZ National interview – click here)