Vishal is passionate about taking people on a journey to learn about EVs, and how they can consider climate change when using transport.
“A Waka Kotahi study about Kiwi behaviour shows that on average people don’t travel more than 20 to 50 kilometres a day. We have introduced electric vehicles that are capable of 250-300km range in one full charge and so it can be fit for most Council operations.”
As Wellington city is compact, there are many opportunities for people to change the way they travel throughout the city and have an impact on carbon emissions, says Vishal.
“You can very easily change the way you move around the capital. The Council’s area extends to Tawa, so even if you did multiple laps between Tawa and Miramar you would still have enough charge in your car.
"You don’t need to drive as often as you think because so many things are in walking, biking or scootering distance, and there’s also handy public transport.”
First to Zero Programme Lead Jeremy Wu highlights that while the Council’s key focus is on promoting the use of active and public transport modes, it is recognised that this may not be a solution for all transport needs.
”There will be circumstances that require the use of motor vehicles. By transforming our fleet to zero-emission EVs, we utilise a full suite of transport solutions that all help to create a zero carbon future.”
Transport emissions are a key contributor to climate change, as highlighted in the Te Atakura – First to Zero action plan, with 35 percent caused by road transport.