ELECTRIC CARS
Toyota Prius and Nissan Leaf are currently the two most popular electric/hybrid car models on New Zealand roads. With a recent Consumer NZ survey on reliability & satisfaction the 100% electric Nissan Leaf ranked 97% with very satisfied customer’s feedback.
This is the future but how long will it be? Experts predict that within the next ten years you will find that most two car city households will have at least one electric vehicle. Plus as time goes on and the electric vehicles kilometre range improves, more varied fleet availability & the number of charging stations. I’m confident we will see more people uptake when it’s time to renew vehicles.
Maintenance for these vehicles is still a requirement. However servicing will be a lot less involved, so will be substantially cheaper. But you must remember brakes, tyres, lights & wipers will still have wear n tear. Plus the vehicle will still require regular warrant of fitness (wof) checks.
Just think no more waiting in queues at the petrol station. Its just a plug in at home (if you have the set up) every few days or so. Now isn’t that convenient!
I recently test drove a Nissan Leaf and was pleasantly surprised by its acceleration. It took a lot of getting use to the quiet however & I was sure I hadn’t even started the vehicle. I would most definitely consider this as an option once my children are a little older (no car seats) or a six seater was brought to the market.
So it’s exciting times ahead. Here’s to a cleaner, greener New Zealand for us and the next generation!