Dannevirke energy company Scanpower powers up community trust in electric vehicle

Bob Dresser, chairman of the Dannevirke Community Vehicle Trust, about to drive away in the new electric car.

When Bob Dresser was told the Dannevirke Community Vehicle Trust was to receive a Hyundai IONIQ car free from customer-owned company Scanpower, he was thrilled.

"We've just completed the third year of our service and for Scanpower to make such a significant donation is wonderful," he said.

With the handover of the vehicle at Scanpower's Oringi head office last Thursday, Dresser and his committee now have to decide on a system for the use of the vehicle.

"We will have a meeting to discuss our options, but in the meantime our driving assessor Denis Tatere will take our 26 volunteer drivers through their paces in the new electric vehicle. Everyone is dead keen to have a go," he said.

Bob Dresser, chairman of the Dannevirke Community Vehicle Trust, about to drive away in the new electric car.

"This new vehicle will reduce our fuel costs, we will be seen to be doing our bit for the environment and it will give Scanpower and our vehicle trust a bigger public profile."

Scanpower's chief executive, Lee Bettles, told the Dannevirke News the suggestion of the donation of the electric vehicle came from his board.

"We want to promote electric vehicles as a viable alternative and this is the best way by providing a community vehicle which will be highly visible around town," he said.

"I've driven the car to Palmerston North and it's great to drive."

Volunteer community vehicle driver Jan Moulder said she was excited at the prospect of being behind the wheel of the new car.