From oil dependence to local resilience

Are you having problems with rules, regulations and officialdom in relation to EVs?

I'm a member of the Vehicle Energy and Renewables Group, a body set up to advise the Government on the deployment of electric vehicles in New Zealand. I'm the sole Non-Governmental Organisation representative on my group.

I see one of my roles as bringing problems that EV users, small importers (small, that is, relative to the big car companies) and converters are having with officialdom - either with rules and regulations that get in the way of introducing or using EVs, or with the interpretations put on those rules by individual certifiers etc. - to the attention of VERG, and more significantly, of the officlals we work with..

So, if you are having any problems of this sort - with any sort of electric transport, not just cars - please let me know through this discussion. There may be good reasons for many of the rules and regulations encountered in this area, but if you think there's a regulation that's stupid, obstructive, or outdated, there may be a chance to get something done about it.

(Of course, writing to the relevant Minister is also worthwhile!)

Regards
Tim

Tags: VERG, regulations, rules

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Daryl Neal on May 7, 2010 at 17:51

Hi,

I build very nice custom electric bikes for people. E bikes are super effective use of electric technology that is in the financial reach of many people.

However. The law states that an unregistered bike must not have more than 300watts. Well, 300watts does not make for a useful mode of transport when it comes to hills, groceries, kids and carrying around other stuff on the bike. When a hill is encountered its all over. I know people with electric bikes that stay in the shed for this very reason.

Now why 300watts? Guessing its based on the combustion engine and a top speed.
Well with electric bikes you can program the top speed.
Ok, so now we have a bike with a limited top speed. Can we have more power for hill climbing now? If you say no, you will accelerate to fast, then I can program the acceleration too.

So we can have a bike that accelerates and has a top speed like a 300w, but has heaps of power for climbing hills.

I sugest there be no power limit, but a speed and acceleration limit. If there were to be a power limit as well as acceleration and top speed, 2000watts seems to be what is needed to carry 2 kids and groceries up a NZ hill. (avoid taking the car)

I think the law makers need to see and ride the bikes to understand.

I would like to talk to you more about this and other simmilar topics.

Daryl

Permalink Reply by Tim Jones on May 7, 2010 at 20:41

Dear Daryl,

Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately, the incoming National Government very quickly disestablished the Vehcile Energy and Renewables group, so I am now thoroughly "out of the loo" as far as Government policy on electric transport is concerned.

I'm not even sure who is now in charge of EV policy within the Ministry, but my best suggestion is that you contact either or both of Tony Frost or Kathy Perreau at the Ministry of Transport. (T.Frost@transport.govt.nz or K.Perreau@transport.govt.nz). they should be able to put you onto the right people to talk to, either within the Ministry or at NZTA.

I hope that helps - sorry I can't tell you anything more useful,

Regards
Tim

Permalink Reply by Daryl Neal on May 18, 2010 at 19:50

thanks. Will do.

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