Imagine, during a power cut, still being able to operate your business’ internet, EFTPos and POS systems via a backup power source. Or, at home, being able to charge your phone, boil water for a cuppa, or keep the fridge running.

All of that is possible, Jonathan Holmes said, with an electric vehicle.

Jonathan is spokesperson for Electrify Wānaka which will display four fully electric vehicles outside Mitre 10 MEGA this Sunday (November 9).

He said the display particularly targets tradies with two of the latest electric utes and vans, as well as SUVs, on display.

Unlike a fossil fuel vehicle which only takes in energy, an EV can also redirect energy out in what’s known as V2X - vehicle to house, vehicle to load, vehicle to grid, he said.

“We will have power tools, including a Mitre saw, plugged into the vehicles to demonstrate an EV’s capability,” he said.

On display will be a three tonne ute with a one tonne payload capacity. It has all the bells and whistles but is cheaper to operate, requires less maintenance, and can run power tools or recharge tool batteries.

“These are normal utes that will do all the same things that a petrol or diesel ute will do, but these EVs will do more for less.”

“And they’re fun to drive,” he added.

Electrify Wānaka is not selling EVs; it's providing food for thought, Jonathan said: “We’re just planting the seed.” 

This “pop-up” event wasn’t just about the EVs, he said. It’s also an opportunity for anyone to have a chat about adding solar to their house or switching their gas hot water or stove top to electricity.

Sunday’s display will begin at 9:00am and finish at 2:00pm.

Jonathan said he was particularly grateful to Mitre 10 MEGA for hosting the event at such short notice and being so supportive of local initiatives.

The EVs, courtesy of Nordeast, were brought south for a display at Remarkables Park (Saturday, Nov 8) hosted by Queenstown Electrification, and Electrify Wānaka was able to borrow some for its pop-up event.

PHOTO: Supplied