Electric cars are great, but not yet for everyone

I READ with interest the letter from a Dunedin couple on their experience with their Nissan Leaf (ODT, 31.10.18).

Earlier this year when the north road out of Kaikoura to Blenheim was still closed, I had to travel to Blenheim via Waiau, Lewis Pass and down the Wairau Valley to Blenheim which was a 51⁄2hour nonstop (as it turned out) drive.

For town driving and short trips I can see that EVs would be ideal but at this stage they are certainly not for me. Also, as far as I can see there are no charging points on the route that I had to take, although I feel sure there will be eventually.

Of necessity I drive a large station wagon and a very expensive Tesla would be the closest available, although I don’t think that would have the load capacity that my wagon has. Plus I live in the real world and simply couldn’t warrant the cost. For me a petrolelectric would be more practical but again I can’t warrant the cost.

As to battery life with their Nissan Leaf, I will be surprised if there isn’t an obsolescence programme built into their bank of batteries. As to hoping for 10 years out of their batteries, good luck on that one. G.R. Woods

Geraldine

[Abridged]

Oamaru plans

SHIP ahoy! Floating motel for Oamaru harbour?

There is plenty of space at the harbour for other ventures and activities such as a floating restaurant, casino, tavern, fastfood outlet, bungy jumping towers, hot air balloon rides off Stumpers Wharf, base jumping off Cape Wanbrow, saltwater swimming pool, shag diving, aerial obstacle course, rocket jumps, sky wire, harbour swing or swim with the penguins.

The removal of the breakwater will allow cruise ships to enter the harbour.

A museum could be created in one of the red sheds. This would highlight the history of the harbour and the wildlife that once was abundant in the area. The wildlife would be in display cases, ‘‘stuffed’’. Lorraine Adams

Oamaru