Waiheke Island group wants to get rid of petrol and diesel cars by 2030

A group of Waiheke Islanders want petrol and diesel vehicles gone from the island by 2030.

Electric Island Waiheke launched its bold plan on Friday, and told Newshub it may be lofty, but it's achievable.

"It will take another two or three years to really kick in, but then I believe it will just happen automatically," spokesperson Vern Whitehead said.

Mr Whitehead says the island's roading network and small size makes it ideal for electric vehicles (EVs), which have a limited range.

"If you can charge your vehicle at home a couple of times a week you can do everything around the island just within that."

Mr Whitehead also pointed out Waiheke has some of the most expensive petrol in the country. Petrol prices app Gaspy shows a price around $2.50 for a litre of 91 on the island, whereas stations on the mainland range from $2.11 to $2.26.

Electric Island Waiheke said only 1 percent of the island's 7000 vehicles are EVs, but by 2030 there will be more affordable EVs in the market to supplement newer models.

"We all know the eco benefits that having zero emission, non-polluting vehicles will bring, but our vision is also economic - for Waiheke to have the lowest overall cost of transport in New Zealand," Mr Whitehead said.

Newshub.