Electric Cars: a positive step, but no panacea
"Assessing the performance of electric cars in hilly real-time Wellington is worthwhile", say Cr Wade-Brown.
The age of our vehicle fleet means it will take a long time to change over to electric vehicles.
Wellington's advantages in wind, solar and marine energy mean we can become a little more independent from the vagaries of international oil supplies by promoting electric transport.
However, electric cars won't solve congestion or road safety, even if if they smell nicer than diesels!
"Electric trolley buses, light rail, electric bicycles - these are all part of 21st Century transport", says Celia Wade-Brown. "Doubling the tunnels will just funnel more one-person commuter cars into downtown Wellington, looking for car parks. So while electric cars will be useful for people who have to deliver goods, for those who have complicated journeys or who are relatively immobile, they are not a panacea."
Celia Wade-Brown said that an investment in electric cars must be balanced with electric transit for mass use, which is a proven technology, is economically attractive and provides a real solution for climate change.
"The backbone of transport - smooth, safe footpaths and regular reliable buses should be Wellington's main focus." says Celia Wade-Brown