OUR ELECTRICAR
CHARGING AROUND WELLINGTON

WELLINGTON FIRST TO TRIAL ELECTRIC CARS

Wellington has become the first New Zealand city to trial production electric cars with the launch of a fleet of five battery-powered vehicles in Civic Square Friday Sep 30.

Wellington City Council is working with Meridian Energy, Mitsubishi Motors, New Zealand Post Group and The Wellington Company to trial Mitsubishi iMiEVs in Wellington for the next two years. By the end of the year eight iMiEVs will be powering around the streets of the Capital.

The four-seater, battery-powered iMiEV has a range of up to 155km and zero drive-time emissions.

Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast said that as 45% of journeys to work in Wellington are by car, truck or van, the opportunity to reduce vehicle emissions was great news for Wellington.

“It’s fantastic that Wellington is playing a leadership role in trialling electric cars,” Mayor Prendergast said.

Mayor Prendergast said she wanted to thank the trial partners for their vital part in bringing the iMiEVs to Wellington.

“Our other partners, New Zealand Post Group, Meridian and The Wellington Company have also been critical. Without their support we would not have had this trial.

The Wellington Company Managing Director Ian Cassels said that “the electric car was perfect for showcasing Wellington and its compactness”

“Diesel fumes and noisy motors have no place on our Golden Mile – we’re confident that the horseless carriage will now be elegant and quiet. Wellingtonian’s love walking and they will certainly appreciate the proliferation of these amiable and clever little critters”

Mitsubishi Motors spokesperson Daniel Cook said, “This is a hugely exciting opportunity to introduce the first production electric vehicles to New Zealand - the revolutionary Mitsubishi iMiEV is a whole new way of thinking about transportation, embodying the latest developments in technological innovation. The high-power, low noise electric engine, delivers a drive unlike any vehicle on New Zealand roads.

“This trial is an exciting demonstration of future technology that Mitsubishi has made available today. Working with the council and local business will enable us to access the potential for this innovative new vehicle, while further establishing Wellington City as an environmental leader and innovator.”