Dunedin comes top in electric car ownership

A new study has revealed Dunedin is leading the way for electric vehicle ownership in New Zealand.

Research carried out by the University of Otago and Dunedin City Council shows the number of electric cars in Dunedin increased from 25 to 500 in the last four years.

It used Ministry of Transport’s vehicle fleet statistics to compile the research.

The Dunedin Energy Study revealed Dunedin took the top slot - while Wellington came in second.

Director of the University's Sustainabilty Centre associate Prof Janet Stephenson was pleased to find Dunedin's electric vehicle uptake topped all other cities in relation to emissions.

"This is something for Dunedinites to be very proud of," Prof Stephenson said.

However, transport energy consumption had grown in general and people needed to look at ways to actively reduce greenhouse gas emissions, she said.

Dunedin also took out the top spot for the highest proportion of electric vehicles for personal use as opposed to commercial or other purposes.

Dunedin's Electric Vehicles owners' group representative Pam McKinlay said it was good news for the industry.

"It’s made my day ... I think our electric vehicle advocacy and education has probably helped, but Dunedin people are really interested [in it] too."