I think that makes a ton of sense, esp since you can retrofit diesel-electric ferries.

Skips expensive DC charging infrastructure, but does require to buy two batteries which can get expensive. Over time vpp / market arbitrage can pay for battery itself tho.

Also sacrifices some of the cargo capacity. I.e. for wellington - picton that’s about 4 rail cars or 6 semi trailers.

Edit: also smaller turnaround time.

For one long haul trip at the start of its life, a generator might be an option too.

New Zealand should we well suited to electrifying everything, with a lot of good energy sources.

I can’t see the current government supporting anything EV, particularly across the Cook Strait, given the ferry fiasco to date.

For one long haul trip at the start of its life, a generator might be an option too.

New Zealand should we well suited to electric ferries, with a lot of good energy sources.

I can’t see the current government supporting anything EV, particularly across the Cook Strait, given the ferry fiasco to date.