Since the first credible science around climate change, Toyota and others have had decades to develop a viable EV ute, says Tim Barlow. Photo / Getty Images
EV utes could have been developed
Heather du Plessis-Allan is a talkback radio host, whose literal job is to rile people up enough to call her daily show and fill dead air that advertisers haven't already gobbled up.
Her weekly opinion pieces should therefore be framed in that context.
So, for clarity:
There were exactly zero cyclists "demanding expensive lanes" over the bridge; and farmers and tradies (who represent productive use of our utes) are barely a quarter of new ute sales, plus claim back tax.
Since the first credible science around climate change, Toyota and others have had decades to develop a viable EV ute but, without government intervention, have been exclusively motivated by the profitable servicing and cheap R&D of fossil-fuel-based drivetrains ... Indeed, we would still be stuck with ridiculously inefficient lightbulbs and showerheads if those market had been left alone!
So, while the majority of toxic, roadhogging ute purchases might make boat-towing convenient for some rich person, cycling and early EV adoption helps fund R&D that will make clean, quiet, energy-efficient transport accessible to all.
If anything, it sounds like the high-emissions tax is not high enough.
Tim Barlow, Hillcrest
Cup runneth away
It is disappointing to read and hear criticism and condemnation coming from the CEO of Team NZ and chairman of the Chambers of Commerce re future funding of Team NZ by government.
While the America's Cup brings pride and joy to us as a nation, in difficult financial times can we afford to back, for little or nil returns, a sport for a few elite?
Yes, the Cup does bring boatbuilding in NZ to the fore but, to be truthful, quite a large percentage of the supporters are look-at-me, champagne-drinking types whose only interest in the sport is to be seen on TV.
Also if TNZ is so genuine of supporting New Zealand, why is it called Emirates TNZ? Are the citizens of NZ only important when the coffers are empty?
Sarron Bennett, Manurewa
