Auckland Airport’s sustainability programme includes continually upgrading its fleet with low-emission vehicles. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles now make up 18 per cent of Auckland Airport’s total fleet and 25 per cent of its light passenger vehicle fleet, respectively.
We provide Auckland Airport with electricity, but also with sustainable energy solutions for its business. We gave them a Mitsubishi Outlander, a Hyundai Ioniq and a BMW i3 for staff to trial in November and December to promote EVs for business.
Auckland Airport’s plumbers, firefighters, electricians, airfield staff and corporate staff have trialled the cars to date. They’ll each review the vehicles, so we better understand our customers’ electric vehicle needs.
We caught up with Steven Crook, Auckland Airport Acting General Manager – Airport Development and Delivery who’s had a go behind the wheel:
Q: What car do you currently drive?
A Subaru Outback.
Q: What EV model did you test drive?
A: The Hyundai Ioniq.
Q: Favourite thing about EV?
A: The cars are smooth, quiet and easy on the planet. I also liked the regenerative braking – recharging the battery while I’ve got a foot on the brake. That sort of thing appeals to an engineer like me… It also has good range – more than 200km when fully charged – and it’s easy to charge.
Q: Least favourite?
A: You have to plan ahead. There aren’t a lot of charging stations out there – but that will change, with Contact’s help.
Q: Why should other businesses consider EVs?
A: It’s a great way to reduce carbon emissions, especially here in New Zealand, where such a high percentage of our electricity comes from renewable sources.