How quickly can we really change to electric vehicles?

How quickly can we really change to electric vehicles?
The "petrol station" of the future will have EV chargers lined up like these in California. (Image: Depositphoto)
Warren Couillault
I rented an electric car (EV) in Christchurch a couple of weeks ago. The attendant at the counter gave me a slip of paper with 89% written on it, which I was told, having innocently inquired, was the level of the battery charge in the car.  My pointing out that a traditional petrol-powered rental comes with a full tank was met with a smile and apology that, “We didn’t have time to charge it, sir.”  When I then asked about a charger to plug in at the hotel, I was instead given a pamphlet and sign-up details for an ind...

More Opinion

The back-to-front ferry deal
Opinion

Pattrick Smellie: The back-to-front ferry deal

Will the wharves be ready when the new ferries arrive?

Pattrick Smellie 20 Nov 2025
AI is reshaping work – but not the way you think
Opinion

Peter Griffin: AI is reshaping work – but not the way you think

AI isn’t the job killer many predicted it would become.

Peter Griffin 19 Nov 2025
How KiwiSaver helped, maybe
Opinion

David Chaplin: How KiwiSaver helped, maybe

Has KiwiSaver really lifted the national confidence rate? Dunno.

David Chaplin 18 Nov 2025