First New zealand electric campervan JUCY to be on display at MOTAT

The $35,000 electric vehicle (EV) was converted in early 2018 into a custom-built campervan by the company’s manufacturing plant, JUCY By Design, in Helensville.

The first Kiwi electric campervan developed by innovative Kiwi company JUCY. Demand for eco-friendly tourism has fuelled JUCY to lead the charge into the electric campervan market and their prototype electric vehicle will be on display at MOTAT for the next three months.

The $35,000 electric vehicle (EV) was converted in early 2018 into a custom-built campervan by the company's manufacturing plant, JUCY By Design, in Helensville.

It was then put to the test by French environmental students, Héloïse de Bokay and Solène Trinquet, who spent five months travelling around New Zealand sharing their eco-adventures in their blog www.newsandland.com.

"EVs are part of JUCY's mission to reduce our impact on New Zealand" explains JUCY co-owner and chief operating officer Dan Alpe. "There is a growing market of visitors who want more environmentally sustainable travel options, so these vehicles give tourists more choice and offer cheaper running costs too."

The challenges around vehicle range and charging infrastructure is also being steadily addressed thanks to investment and support from Government Agency EECA.

Following the initial trial, JUCY is also working on extending the driving range of their EV fleet from 100km to 180+km per charge. With plans to roll out 5 more EV campervans in 2019, JUCY will soon be helping thousands of tourists experience New Zealand in a more sustainable and cost-efficient way.

"This EV Campervan is a perfect example of the kiwi innovation and ingenuity we like to highlight at MOTAT," says Michael Frawley, MOTAT Chief Executive. "Thanks to companies like JUCY and their innovative use of new technology, tourists can travel around our beautiful country in an environmentally friendly way."