THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 7113, 13 January 1919, Page 2

THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE.

In au article in the January num_ ber of " The Farmer," a writer gives some interesting facts with reference to electric vehicles in New Zealand. Christchureh appeals to ho the pioneer city in this innovation, tho Coleridge Electrical Scheme having boon a determining factor in its development. Between 40 and 50 commeicial electrical vehicles are operating in various parts of New Zealand at the pressent day, mostly with Edison storage batteries. The Ciiristehurch City Council has just passed plans for tho erection of a garage to accommodate and supply energy for tho storage batteries oi 00 vehicles. The borough councils of New Plymouth, Napier, Gisborac, Duucdiu, aud Invercargill also have iv use electric vehicles. Many dairy companies have likewise availed them, selves of tho advantages to be gained by the uso of the electric drive ia the haulage of cream, butter, etc. One dairy company hae published a statement showing the ruuuiug expenses for petrol aud electric vehicles, the former for 1915-16 aud for 1916-17, and the latter for 1917-18. It is as follows :— Petrol Electric 1915-16 191617 1917-18 Fuel £166 230 46 Tyred 85 150 68 Maintenance 177 163 63 Wages 300 3_5 369 ■ £728 868 540 68 Revenue earned £728 SQS .478 .

These figures are for two lorries driven first by petrol and then electricity.