You can not get cheaper than free (20 May, 2022)

[aardvark_admin]

I think we're going to see some major changes in prices within the EV market over the next 2-3 years.

Advances in the technology plus cost reductions due to economies of scale will make quite a difference.

Also, the rising price of fossil fuels and the penalties that governments will tack on by way of assuaging the guilt of carbon emissions will make the total cost of ownership for ICE vehicles rise significantly. I expect that within five years, the *cheapest* option will have become an EV (from the total cost of ownership perspective).

Sadly, those who can't afford the capital cost of an EV will be in a poverty trap where the cost of running their ICE banger will prevent them from saving enough to make the jump -- but that's often the way these things go because governments are stupid.

[Perry]

Now, about the limitations of the resources required . . . .

[aardvark_admin]

I have received this response from Jolt in reply to my column on the subject:

Hi Bruce,

Thanks for your interest in JOLT and your post http://aardvark.co.nz/daily/2022/0520.shtml

Your assumption that Mitre10 will pay JOLT in order to provide free energy to EV drivers is incorrect. In fact the reverse is true – JOLT will be paying Mitre10 and subsequent organisations that allow JOLT to set up charging stations in their carparks.

How is that possible you ask?

The business model is one where advertisers pay for the advertising space offered on the EV charging stations, which are placed in high profile sites. The advertising pays for the electricity and enables JOLT to pay the retailers where the charging stations are located. Here’s what the installed Australian stations look like to give you an idea https://jolt.com.au/jolt-and-south-aust ... ging-trial

Here is the New Zealand news release. https://wrightcommunications.co.nz/news ... w-zealand/

JOLT New Zealand Country Manager Chris Monaghan, copied in here, can provide further details.

Regards

Tim Marshall

[Perry]

Those almighty advertising dollars, eh?