Electric Vehicle Resources

The Better NZ Trust has been #LeadingTheCharge in New Zealand’s EV space since 2015. During that time, this charitable Trust has worked closely with all industry decision makers, government, and pioneer EV enthus­iasts, in an effort to successfully bring EV to NZ. This Code of Behaviour at public chargers comes after consultation with the EV community and with the experience of being the longest-serving promoter of EV in NZ.

Downloadable PDF of #LeadingTheCharge NZ EV Etiquette

1. All EVs Are Equal
   Whether PHEV, small or large capacity, all EV’s have equal right to use chargers.
   Use your discretion in sharing, if there is a choice of high-powered/low-powered DC chargers.
   Only use public chargers if you cannot charge at home. Keep them free for those that need them.

2. Charging Not Parking
   Parks displaying this official NZ sign are for charging only. Do not park there if you are not charging,
   even if you’re in an EV.

3. Be Nice to ICE
   Be a good EV Ambassador. Don’t leave anything other than a polite note on an offending vehicle.

4. When to Unplug
   Only unplug another vehicle if you are certain it has finished charging, or you have been given permission, eg: on Plugshare.

5. Monitor With Your Phone
   Make use of apps or txt alerts to monitor the state of charge. Plugshare is a safe way to communicate, but is optional.

6. Don’t Set and Forget
   Stations are designed to allow you to leave your vehicle charging. But you must be back before charging stops, and before any parking time limits are up.
   Don’t expect others to unplug you.

7. Check for Parking/Charging Limits
   Some stations and/or EV parks have time limits to encourage vehicle turnover.
   Do not park illegally to reach the charger.

8. E-Stop is for Emergencies
   In other situations, only press E-Stop if you can’t get hold of the station operator by phone.
   Reset it before you leave.

9. OK to Check Progress
   It is acceptable and normal to check the onscreen progress of a station that you are waiting to use.

10. Look after the stations, cables and plugs.  Report any damage to the service provider, & ensure cables are safely tucked away

Copyright of #LeadingTheCharge, The Better NZ Trust. Reproduction for personal use only.

The most valuable resources for #LeadingTheCharge are the owner drivers and enthusiasts who make this community work. There are too many to list individually but you will see their names on various pages in news items.

We also are indebted to the various companies and organisations for donations and sponsorships to help operate the trust.

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International Drive Electric Week, September 26 – October 3rd 2020, is a worldwide celebration to heighten awareness of today's widespread availability of plug-in vehicles and highlight the benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid-electric cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more.

They are fun to drive, are less expensive and more convenient to fuel than gasoline vehicles, are better for the environment, promote local jobs, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Are you considering going electric? Come talk to owners who have successfully done so.

Started in 2011 as National Plug In Day in the United States with the simple idea to hold simultaneous events across the country on the same day, by popular demand it was expanded to an entire week of events and changed the name to emphasize the thing we all want to do: drive electric. New Zealand participated in 2015 with one or two events but in 2016 it was expanded to over 20 New Zealand based events. So we decided to call it International Drive Electric week to more accurately represent its coverage and importance.

In 2016 The Better NZ trust assisted with over 50 events in New Zealand. The largest number for any country outside of the US. In 2017 the week is kicked off with the EV World, the first of its kind in NZ.

Want to organize or help with an event? Go to the the New Zealand events page, or the international events page to see if there's one near you, then go to the volunteer page if you would like to offer your assistance. If you'd like to organise an event please contact us directly. Thank you!

Contact us directly for national sponsorship opportunities.

Each event is led by local plug-in drivers and advocates and typically includes some combination of EV parades, ride-and-drives, press conferences, award ceremonies, informational booths, and more. The Better NZ trust serve as the national team providing support to the events throughout the country. We are pleased to partner with the many other organizations and individuals working to bring International Drive Electric Week to communities across the country.

International Drive Electric Week History

International Drive Electric Week comes from the United States event National Drive Electric Week and began in 2011 as National Plug In Day. Starting in 2015 it went international and we are waiting for them to rename themselves.

Learn more about the original Drive Electric week from their history page.

International Drive Electric Week is organised in New Zealand by The Better NZ Trust who are working together with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA). EECA is promoting electric vehicles in New Zealand as part of the Government’s electric vehicles programme;  EVs take advantage of New Zealand’s renewable electricity and when driven in New Zealand they create 80%+ fewer CO2-eq emissions than a petrol or diesel car, and 60% few CO2-eq emissions over the vehicles lifetime when driven in from cradle to grave.”