ecoTEC 339 - Battery Lifespan Improves, EVs Outnumber Petrol in Norway,, Kiwi Gov's Bad EV Choices

Summary

This episode of Ecotricity's Ecotech Roundup covers key developments in the electric vehicle (EV) and renewable energy sectors. It highlights discounts on EVs due to stock surpluses, challenges from Chinese automakers amid European tariffs, and BYD's new range of commercial EVs. The show also discusses advancements in EV battery life, safety concerns about large vehicles, and Ford's recognition of Chinese EV competition. Additionally, the episode touches on Norway's milestone of having more EVs than petrol cars, and concludes with the importance of switching to climate-positive, renewable electricity with Ecotricity.

Takeaways

• 🌿 Ecotricity is New Zealand’s first climate-positive renewable electricity provider, sourcing from wind, hydro, and solar energy.
• 🚗 The New Zealand EV market is facing challenges due to high pay-per-click tariffs on EVs and the elimination of incentives, but some automakers are offering massive discounts to clear excess stock.
• 💡 BYD, a Chinese automaker known for its affordable EVs, has launched a new range of battery-electric commercial vehicles in Europe, including trucks and yard tractors.
• 🔋 EV battery packs are outlasting their vehicles, with an average annual degradation rate of only 1.8%, down from 2.3% in 2019, showing improved longevity.
• 🚶 There is growing concern over the increasing size of vehicles, especially EVs, which pose safety risks to pedestrians. The US is proposing new safety regulations to address this issue.
• 🔧 Fisa, which entered bankruptcy protection, has updated its policies to reassure owners that warranty repairs and recalls will be covered, despite earlier concerns.
• ⚠️ Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, sees China's EV industry as an 'existential threat' to Western automakers, especially after experiencing Chinese-made EVs during a visit.
• 🚛 Renault is set to unveil a restomod electric version of the Renault 17 at the Paris Motor Show, blending retro designs with modern EV technology.
• 🌍 The city of The Hague in the Netherlands has become the first in the world to ban advertisements promoting fossil fuels, including vacations, air travel, and ICE vehicles.
• 🇳🇴 Norway has reached a major milestone with more electric vehicles on the road than petrol-powered vehicles, solidifying its leadership in EV adoption.

Q & A

What is Ecotricity, and what services does it offer?

Ecotricity is New Zealand's first and only climate-positive certified renewable electricity provider. It sources energy from wind, hydro, and solar power and is a leading supplier of electricity for electric vehicles (EVs) in New Zealand.

What current challenges is the Kiwi electric vehicle (EV) market facing?

The Kiwi EV market is facing challenges such as the elimination of EV incentives and the introduction of high pay-per-click tariffs on all EVs, making it harder for consumers to adopt electric vehicles.

What opportunities exist for purchasing a new EV in New Zealand despite market challenges?

Some automakers are offering massive discounts, up to 50% off the official list price, to sell excess stock, creating a significant opportunity for consumers to buy EVs at a bargain.

What is the situation regarding European and North American tariffs on Chinese EVs?

European and North American countries are preparing new tariffs on imported Chinese EVs. To avoid these tariffs, Chinese automakers, like BYD, are exploring ways around them, including increasing local production in Europe.

How is Audi responding to the challenge posed by Chinese automakers in Europe?

Audi is considering selling its production facility in Belgium to the Chinese company Nio. This would give Volkswagen AG extra funds and allow Nio to avoid European tariffs by producing vehicles within the EU.

What new developments are coming from BYD in the electric commercial vehicle sector?

BYD has launched a new range of battery-electric commercial vehicles for Europe, including the E Valley LCV, a yard tractor, a cabover tractor unit for medium-distance hauling, and a 7.5-ton truck for urban delivery.

What are common concerns about EV battery degradation, and how is this issue being addressed?

One of the most common concerns is that EV battery packs may die after a few years, requiring costly replacements. However, recent data shows that EV batteries degrade by only 1.8% per year on average, with most degradation occurring in the first year and minimal degradation afterward.

What safety concerns are emerging with the increasing size of electric vehicles (EVs)?

Safety advocates are worried that larger EVs, with higher hoods, pose increased risks to pedestrians. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is working on new rules to make vehicles safer for pedestrians, including head impact and safety tests.

What impact has the removal of EV subsidies had in New Zealand?

The removal of purchase incentives and the introduction of tariffs on EVs in New Zealand is projected to result in 58,000 fewer EVs on the road over the next decade and an additional two megatons of tailpipe emissions.

What recent milestone has Norway achieved in terms of EV adoption?

Norway recently reached a milestone where there are now more electric vehicles on the road than petrol-powered vehicles. Diesel vehicles still slightly outnumber EVs, but that is expected to change soon.