Electric cars in New Zealand - the early years

The Edison Electric Battery 

Information about the Edison battery for electric vehicles appeared regularly in New Zealand newspapers at the start of the century, as it was already being used overseas and was seen as a new invention that would eventually make its way to this side of the world. 

Early adopters - electric vehicles for commercial use

With the push for more electricity in cities, it was often local electric companies that debuted new electric vehicles as part of their fleet around the city. Local businesses also appeared to find that electric vehicles were good for their regular around town delivery routes. 

Electric vehicles for personal use

Christchurch City - leading the way with electric vehicles throughout the years (1920s - 1980s)

Walker electric truck: a Christchurch heritage treasure 

Christchurch City Libraries' has a short article about the Walker half-ton electric truck, which was imported in 1918 and is still in the ownership of the Christchurch Electricity Network Company, now called Orion NZ. 

A renewed interest in electric vehicles in New Zealand 

With the first oil shock (1973) and second oil shock (1979) and the first carless days in 1979 (links to NZ History), there was a renewed interest in electric vehicles for personal and commercial use. 

An electric car for one 

This style of single occupancy electric vehicle hasn't quite taken off ...