Auckland's ferries are a key part of the public transport system - but where is the backing to make them electric? On one level, helping to realise projects like the e-ferry is why the amalgamated Auckland Council was formed 10 years ago. It built the trio of revolutionary fibre-glass boats for New Zealand's first America's Cup campaign in 1986, and Team New Zealand's winning 1995 America's Cup boat. Today, and the Auckland council "family" holds many of the cards needed for the city to become the home of the world's first fleet of carbon-fibre-hulled e-ferries. A prime reason for Auckland Council to invest $114 million in facilities to help host sailing's America's Cup in 2021, is the economic spin-off.

Source: Stuff April 07, 2019 19:41 UTC