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PowerNet’s commitment to the future has been reinforced with the purchase of their first 100% electric vehicle. The electricity network management company has become the proud owner of the small yet extremely efficient electric Nissan Leaf.
“PowerNet can see a significant transition from fossil fuel vehicles on New Zealand roads to a future where electric vehicles are a major part of the country’s vehicle fleet.
Being at the forefront of this transition is very important to PowerNet, given the significant network assets we manage across Southland and Otago,” PowerNet chief executive Jason Franklin said.
Mr Franklin said the zero-emissions Leaf was a permanent fixture in the PowerNet fleet. He also added the cost of the EV technology is falling all the time, and with very well priced second hand import vehicles which are only a couple of years old, arriving from Japan, EVs are fast becoming a cost efficient option for Kiwis.
“We see that in the not too distant future electric vehicles (EV) will be a lot more common in New Zealand.”
Mr Franklin said the electric car was part of the company’s vehicle fleet and was being used in Invercargill.
“The range is about 100km before it needs a full charge, so it’s perfect for trips to visit customers and attend meetings around town.”
PowerNet is now considering upgrading to either full electric or hybrid vehicles as fleet vehicles were due for replacement.
PowerNet has installed a charging station at its Racecourse Road office, with an average normal recharge taking four hours or seven to eight hours with a portable standard three pin connection.
“The unit will plug in any brand of electric vehicle making it user-friendly,” Mr Franklin said.
Twenty five percent of the Nissan Leaf is made from recycled materials such as recycled steel, recycled soda bottles and recycled plastic from household appliances.
“The Leaf meets all the PowerNet strategic vision commitments of being Safe, Efficient and Reliable,” Mr Franklin said. “It also shows our commitment to using new technology to enhance every aspect of our business.”
“Furthermore, there is a great opportunity for New Zealand to transition from fossil fuel based vehicles to electric. This transition will mean increased utilisation of the local electricity networks, especially as EVs recharge overnight. This is a very clean, green energy form; given the very large proportion renewable energy is of the New Zealand electricity supply.