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Mitsubishi's Innovative Electric Vehicle (iMiEV) - Source: ONE News -
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Two car manufacturers have launched new electric cars which they hope will soon be commonplace on New Zealand roads.
Mitsubishi Motors and Hyundai unveiled their latest creations, which cost about a third less than a petrol car to run.
It is described as a new driving experience, with no exhaust, no vibration, and no noise.
Hyundai's Blade Electron is an electric version of the Getz model and sells for $55,000. It will travel 100 kilometres for just $1, but only reaches a top speed of 120 km/h.
"Plug it in right next to the toaster if you want, eight hours overnight and you're fully charged," says Ross Blade
Backed by state owned Meridian Energy, Mitsubishi is trailing the clean and green Innovative Electric Vehicle (iMiEV).
It is a four-door hatchback with a maximum speed of 130km/h and a driving range of up to 160km. It has a fuel cost of only a third of that for a petrol-driven car.
Mitsubishi is working with Meridian Energy on the first joint venture in New Zealand between a car company and a power company.
The trial, which could lead to the first mass-produced new generation electric vehicle in New Zealand, was launched by Environment and Climate Change Minister Nick Smith in Wellington on Tuesday.
The iMiEV evaluation programme will run until late March, with demonstrations around New Zealand.
"It's a new and exciting car that challenges convention, and embodies the latest developments in technological innovation. The high-power, low-noise electric engine, delivers a drive unlike any vehicle on New Zealand roads," says Mitsubishi New Zealand chief executive John Leighton at the launch.
Leighton says Meridian is an ideal partner for the iMiEV project because the power company produces renewable energy and has a strong focus and commitment to sustainability.
"With so much of our electricity produced from renewable sources, electric vehicles offer New Zealand a real opportunity to reduce harmful emissions and make a real contribution to a cleaner, healthier environment," says Meridian chief executive Tim Lusk.
But what happens if the battery's running down in a remote area?
"The computer in the car turns off the auxiliaries like air conditioning and allows you to get to a point where you can recharge it," says Leighton.
And with the government exempting electric cars from road user charges, it is hoped drivers will be amping to swap the pump for the plug.
