Motoring
The Minister of Energy (Mr Birch) was among the first to take a test ride in a new electric van in Auckland. The van, which recently arrived in New Zealand, is one of 100 prototypes produced by Lucas Industries. It has a special electrical system fitted to an ordinary Bedford CF van body which runs off 36 six-volt batteries — a total output of 216 volts. An additional 12-volt battery operates the horn, wipers, lights, and other accessories.A Lucas spokesman, Mr G. M. Auld, said the vehicle could cruise at 50 km/h, with a top speed of 80 km/h. He said the van was capable of about 100
km on one battery charge — it takes about se\en hours to recharge. ? Mr Auld said the vehicles would be cojnmerciallv available in New Zealand within the next two years and would detail for approximately §12,000. $ A special’ battery charter would also be available, at an additional charge of about $2OOO. ' Mr Birch reported that the van was very easy to drive and had good performance and acceleration. He said the future of electric vehicles in New Zealand depended very much on market suitability and the manufacturers ability to keep production cos|3 down and the endurance of the vehicles up. 'r 1
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Press, 23 October 1980, Page 10
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209Motoring Press, 23 October 1980, Page 10
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