New technologies in transport

New technologies in the transport sector are being developed and introduced across the world. These include hybrid and electric cars and the development of biofuels. Such technologies are starting to appear in New Zealand.

Electric cars

Electric cars run on rechargeable batteries that drive an electric motor. Electric motors are much more energy efficient than engines.

The vehicles are usually recharged using electricity from the national grid. As most of New Zealand’s electricity is generated from renewable sources, electric cars offer a realistic sustainable option for New Zealanders.

Electric Vehicles give no emissions except those used to generate the elctricity they run on. They are therefore seen as one way to help reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from New Zealand’s transport sector.

New developments in technology, especially battery technology, mean that electric cars are starting to be available in New Zealand now.

Many major vehicle manufacturers are developing electric cars. While at first the purchase costs of the vehicles will be high, these are likely fall over time. The energy costs for running an electric vehicle in New Zealand are likely to be significantly lower than for petrol or diesel fuel.

>> Read our frequently asked questions about electric vehicles

Hybrid cars

Hybrid cars (‘hybrids’) use a combination of a petrol engine and an electric motor. A computer controls how these two interact. It decides when to use either the petrol engine or the electric motor or both to minimise the fuel consumption. Hybrids are already available and proving increasingly popular.

Hybrids don’t have to be plugged in to recharge because the batteries charge from electricity generated while driving. However, several vehicle manufacturers also have "plug-in hybrids" planned which could recharge like electric vehicles as well as use fuel.

Compared to conventional petrol or diesel cars, hybrids use significantly less fuel. They are hard to drive inefficiently. A hybrid car won the 2010 AA ENERGYWISE™Rally.

Future sources of biofuels

Internationally and in New Zealand a lot of work is underway on the development of second generation biofuels. These are biofuels produced from wood, straw, wastes and other substances.

First generation biofuels, those produced using conventional technology from crops, agriculture and by-products, have an important role in renewable transport fuel development. But it's the second generation biofuels that are being viewed as the way forward in the long term. Much ground breaking work is already well underway both overseas and in New Zealand.

More information

• Further information about biofuels in New Zealand
• Hybrid vehicles [Automobile Association website]
• Electric cars trial in New Zealand [Meridian Energy website]