The electrification of transport is another significant example of an energy transition, driven by consumer preference and by the urgent need to decarbonise our economy and minimise the growing impact of climate change on New Zealand. It means New Zealand must find a less carbon-intensive energy supply. It means consumers will insist on having more control and choice. It means long-term city and energy infrastructure planning must become more integrated. And it means new technologies and new market entrants will arrive, keen to disrupt the status quo on behalf of consumers by putting more power in their hands, just as they have done in other industries. Change is already happening. The number of EVs has been roughly doubling every year. By June 2040, the Ministry of Transport estimates EVs will make up 40% of New Zealand’s fleet. Now add in e-scooters, e-bikes, e-skateboards, and whatever the future will bring.
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