WELLINGTON, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- The New Zealand government announced on Tuesday to allocate more than 11 million New Zealand dollars (7.4 million U.S. dollars) on innovative projects that expand the use and possibilities of electric vehicles (EV) and other low-emissions technology in transport.
It has been the largest round of new funding from the government's Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund, said Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods, adding that it is about making new technology available to help Kiwis get around, lower carbon emissions and contribute to the economy.
Low-emissions transport will receive a record boost totaling more than 11 million New Zealand dollars, which includes 4.3 million New Zealand dollars of government co-funding and 7.3 million New Zealand dollars of funds from the private sector, Woods said.
A total of 31 low-emissions transport projects will share the funding to help more Kiwis make use of new transport technology, she said, adding that 34 new public charging spaces for EVs will be installed around New Zealand, including several at South Island tourism hot spots.
"From 10 percent electric campervans for tourists to hydrogen fuel cell powered buses at the Ports of Auckland to a solar panel-charged electric vehicles and trial of smart chargers in people's homes, we're backing new technologies that will make a difference," the minister said.
Transport is responsible for about 18 percent of New Zealand's total greenhouse gas emissions. New Zealanders have been increasingly embracing the low-emissions transport, with more electric scooter users in major cities nationwide.
