Motorsport goes green

If you’ve ever wondered how the fastest commercially-available electric car on the planet would perform in a race with a Ferrari, you’re in for a rare treat this weekend.

The first ever day of electric motorsport in New Zealand is coming to Christchurch at EVolicity, where Eva Hakkanson, the fastest woman in the world on two wheels, and Bill Dube, builder of the world’s quickest electric motorcycle, will be demonstrating that eco-friendly doesn’t mean slow and boring. The local community will also be showcasing its talent, with 15 Canterbury schools racing their own custom designed and built electric vehicles. Other highlights include an electric bike acrobatics display featuring Luke Smith of Nitro Circus, and a showcase of three world record holding electric vehicles from the US, plus NZ’s first Tesla S (the highest performance electric vehicle on the market).

It is the organisers’ hope that more Kiwis will consider electric vehicles, and get involved in what could well be the future of transport in NZ.

New research from Victoria University in Wellington shows that electric vehicles are three to five times more efficient than vehicles powered by the conventional internal combustion engine. And according to PhD researcher Doug Clover, “with 75 per cent of our electricity coming from clean, renewable sources, electric vehicles have the potential to make a big dent in the greenhouse gas emissions produced by cars in New Zealand”.

Experience this action-packed motorsport event with an eco-friendly twist at Mike Pero Motorsport Park in Ruapuna, Christchurch, from 9am this Sunday 30 November. Adults can save $5 by purchasing tickets in advance at www.evolicity.co.nz. Children 18 years or under (accompanied by a parent or guardian) are free.