Kidztalk

while going up hills uses extra power, coming down generates power, thanks to regenerative braking. With an EV, the more you avoid hitting the brakes and let the car slow you down, the further you go.

Just about all EV owners charge up at home, so range is not necessarily a big issue if you’re just driving locally, and there are Leaf owners reporting comfortable daily commuting (including highway driving) of 50-60 km each way just charging at home. But if you want to go further afield, then you’ll need a bigger battery and/or to access public chargers.

Unfortunately I don’t have space to go into exactly how one charges the battery of an EV, and it gets technical fairly quickly. But I do strongly recommend reading Sigurd Magnusson’s newsletter, at https://www. electricheaven.nz/, and also the Wellington EV owners Facebook group.

Prices

Since about 2012 second-hand Leafs have been imported from Japan (and the UK), and so there is now a good second-hand market in Leafs, with prices starting a touch over $10,000 for older models. Recent imports, especially with the 30 kw battery, are priced closer to $30-35,000. Generally you get what you pay for – the older models will have some battery degradation, the extent depending on how they’ve been used.

At the other end of the scale, a NZ-new Hyundai Kona with the 64 kw battery is being advertised at $74,000 (about twice the cost of the petrol version – you pay a lot for the battery and new technology). The new Nissan Leaf models, with the 40 kw battery, start around $52,000. Renault NZ sells 40 kw Zoes at around $69,000; however, there is a flourishing market in almost-new Zoe imports priced $40-45,000. Remember too that running costs compared to petrol cars will be less; $1,000 a year in savings is pretty conservative (unless you don’t use the car much).

Environmental benefits

The outstanding benefit is the zero emissions. Not burning fossil fuels is good for the planet, but even in countries that rely on burning coal to generate electricity, keeping car exhaust pollution out of towns and cities is a big plus. The quiet operation is relaxing, even the Leafs are nippy to drive, and recent research has concluded driving an EV significantly reduces stress compared to driving a petrol car. What are you waiting for? (Apart from a lottery win, sigh.)

Welcome To Days Bay Playcentre

Confidence building obstacle courses, creative baking in the mud kitchen, stages for concerts, and more, term 1 at Days Bay Playcentre has been a buzz!

It seems anything we put in front of our tamariki these days, they'll just climb over. Or swing on. Or jump in.

We've welcomed a few new faces this term but there is still room in our growing family - pop in for a quick play and see what we're up to. Sessions run Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings, 9:15am-11:45am.

Pop in for a visit or phone Andrea 021027973111 for more information.

MICHAEL LULICH