New Zealand needs to act now to prepare its vehicle infrastructure for an electric-only future, according to Katie Black from the UK's National Infrastructure Commission.
Ms Black who heads the digital, transport and energy portfolio at the commission says the UK's target, for every new car sold to be electric by 2030, is achievable.
"The shift to electric vehicles could happen a lot faster than people think and we think it could be consumer led.
"The price of these vehicles, mainly thanks to the [advancing] battery technology, is going to drop," she told Newshub Nation on Saturday.
Ms Black estimates that by 2025 a new electric vehicle will cost the same as a petrol or diesel car - and the price isn't the only benefit to drivers.
"You have a better car, their performance is brilliant, they can accelerate quicker and the benefits they bring in terms of air quality and carbon reduction are worth it."
Ms Black says ensuring there are adequate charging stations for nationwide fleet of electric vehicles is a key issue for both the UK and New Zealand.
"People need to be sure that they can go anywhere in their electric vehicle and be sure they can charge on route".
One possible solution being floated in the UK is the conversion of five percent of council parking spaces into charging stations. In Auckland, such a scheme would only yield 350 stations.
Ms Black says the private sector should be instrumental in making up the shortfall.
"We think the roll out of charging infrastructure represents a huge opportunity for the private sector."
Watch the video for the full interview.
Newshub Nation.
