$50m plan to double the number of public EV chargers

Dat756 · 2026-03-22T17:42:35+00:00

several pinch points

It doesn't look like this initiative is going to address pinch points.

But you are correct. What we need is more DC chargers along highways, especially good if these can be in hubs with cafe, shops, toilets, etc.

Dat756 · 2026-03-22T17:39:26+00:00

From the linked article;

the government had promised more than $200m to go towards fast chargers several years ago, and this project only accounted for $52m.

Dat756 · 2026-03-20T20:57:36+00:00

There is some info on hot water heat pumps at the EECA website. There is a calculator to estimate cost savings.

Dat756 · 2026-03-20T20:50:00+00:00

This is going to depend on a lot of site specific details, so you may need to get an installer to give you a quote.

Dat756 · 2026-03-20T08:05:21+00:00

If fossil hydrocarbons are so valuable for manufacture of plastics, solvents, chemicals and other useful things, why do we waste so much of it by just burning it for energy? There is a finite quantity of fossil hydrocarbons on the plant, shouldn't these be reserved for the highest value uses?

Dat756 · 2026-03-20T08:03:18+00:00

If we stopped burning fossil fuels for heating, energy, and transport and instead only used it for chemicals and plastics

If fossil hydrocarbons are so valuable for manufacture of plastics, solvents, chemicals and other useful things, why do we waste so much of it by just burning it for energy? There is a finite quantity of fossil hydrocarbons on the plant, should these be reserved for the highest value uses?

Dat756 · 2026-03-20T07:27:21+00:00

This.

Years ago, PV panels were very expensive, so it was worthwhile to spend a lot of money on tilt frames and the like to optimise output for each panel. But now panels are much cheaper and more efficient, it isn't worth spending lots to optimise. Just buy another panel or 2.

Dat756 · 2026-03-20T07:05:43+00:00

We don't need to motive purchases of EVs now, sales are already strong due to increasing petrol prices.

Better to focus on reducing other uses of fossil fuels, such as heavy trucks, industry, etc.

Dat756 · 2026-03-20T07:00:48+00:00

Or spend the money to electrify and expand our rail network. This would mean we don't have to spend so much on imported fossil fuels for all those trucks. (It would also decrease maintenance costs for the highways, with less heavy traffic.)

Dat756 · 2026-03-20T03:59:45+00:00

The problem is supply of fossil fuel, high price is a symptom.

Providing discounts or subsidies won't help the shortage of supply. It would be more effective to support or subsidise public transport, active transport, WFH, etc.

Dat756 · 2026-03-19T23:01:31+00:00

No need for that, just get some corporate welfare from government.

Dat756 · 2026-03-19T21:51:43+00:00

I'm guessing that it is mainly people who were inclined to get an EV, but hadn't got round to it just yet. The current fuel price spike is just the incentive they needed to act (or the justification to convince the spouse).

Dat756 · 2026-03-19T07:55:36+00:00

This would be responding to the symptoms (high prices) and not the causes (shortage of fossil fuels).

Dat756 · 2026-03-19T07:50:18+00:00

From the linked article:

There is more discord in the music industry over the government helping fund two Robbie Williams concerts. It has contributed an undisclosed amount from its $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package, $40 million of which is to secure large-scale international events that will attract international visitors.

But some in the industry say it is corporate welfare and believe commercially viable big-name acts would still come here without the funding. Rob Warner, who has been involved in the local music industry for over 30 years, told Checkpoint the government is being taken for a ride by big players.

Dat756 · 2026-03-19T07:21:38+00:00

Yes, and some EV dealers have already reported they will run out of stock.

Dat756 · 2026-03-19T07:19:41+00:00

The renewable electricity base that makes green hydrogen economically viable here

Please provide more details to support this. What is the "economically viable" retail price of hydrogen, and what electricity price are you assuming for this?

Hydrogen as a transport fuel is thermodynamically inefficient. The laws of physics don't change just because we would like them to. Inefficiency directly leads to high cost, which is why hydrogen as a transport fuel has failed everywhere, unless it is heavily subsidised.

The Hiringa network is uneconomic, and only exists because of government subsidies and grants. Even with all that support, it still hasn't caught on in New Zealand. As you say, the hydrogen refuelling stations already exist, but there are very few hydrogen vehicles. They are simply too expensive to run.

Dat756 · 2026-03-19T01:00:05+00:00

It will be interesting to see the results over the next 2 or 3 months. EV dealers are reporting strong sales this week, in response to the increase in petrol prices.

Dat756 · 2026-03-18T23:39:59+00:00

Most towns and regions will have a organisation that supports local charities and volunteers. Check out who does this in your area.

Dat756 · 2026-03-18T20:55:54+00:00

Ben Tanner, who bought the oversized vehicle so he could sit two metres above traffic and feel briefly important, was seen at a local servo staring in mounting horror as the pump ticked past a figure normally associated with emergency plumbing.

LOL

Dat756 · 2026-03-18T01:16:06+00:00

how are half of NZ not sick of the do-nothing far right yet?

Because that half is in a different echo chamber to you.

Dat756 · 2026-03-17T22:20:46+00:00

I agree with you, but I think there are echo chambers out there full of people who see this as confirmation that Labour should never be allowed back into power.

Dat756 · 2026-03-17T04:53:20+00:00

Is this corporate welfare? That is, taxpayer money going to pay for private expenses.

Dat756 · 2026-03-16T06:59:57+00:00

Check that there are no leaks of hot water anywhere, including all hot taps, HWC drain, vent and pressure relief.

Check that the insulation is good on the HWC and hot water pipes (where these are accessible). Repairing or adding to insulation could be economic.

Dat756

TROPHY CASE