Wellington launches electric car trial

A fleet of electric cars to be trialled in Wellington over the next two years will be on display in the city's Civic Square today.

Wellington City Council, Meridian Energy, Mitsubishi Motors, New Zealand Post Group and The Wellington Company have organised the trial, which is to be officially launched today.

Each of the five organisations will test-drive one of the battery-powered Mitsubishi iMiEVs.

Mayor Kerry Prendergast said the trial would demonstrate that electric cars were viable in Wellington and help identify any barriers to their widespread adoption, such as the need for charging stations.

"By working together we will gain a better understanding of how this exciting technology could change the way we travel and do business in Wellington."

The iMiEVs seat four and have a range of up to 155km.