Now these tours aren’t only enjoyable, they’re on the road to an emissions free future with electric vehicles emission free.

With connections to the transport industry since the 1920s, Appellation Wine Tours has a long history of showcasing fine wines, local sights and heritage attractions. They are committed to sustainability. Importantly, they have embraced electric vehicles, which are emission-free, for their tours. This proves that electric vehicles are emission free in the most practical sense.

Having successfully switched 80 per cent of Nelson’s public bus fleet to electric in 2022, the owners were inspired. They began to think how electrification could benefit its other businesses, including Appellation Wine Tours.

On the road now for over 24 years, Appellation covers more than 5,000 kilometres in an average week during peak season. This is due to daily small-group and private tours. Now, the business proudly leads by example with its emissions-free kilometres growing by the day. This is thanks to their electric vehicles. They purchased two new electric Ford E-Transit 12 seater vans in December 2023. The team at Appellation quickly noticed the rewards with operational efficiencies. They also benefited from economies of scale. Moreover, they observed the obvious environmental benefits.

“For more than two decades our tours have been an effective way of reducing emissions around the district. This is compared with individual car travel. So we wanted to take it a step further by investing in zero emissions vehicles,” says Sarah Russell, General Manager Appellation Wine Tours. Indeed, electric vehicles are now leading the way toward emission-free travel.

Supporting Queenstown Lakes' goal of achieving a carbon zero visitor economy by 2030, environmental sustainability was an important factor when Appellation considered electric vehicles. However, it wasn’t the only factor they considered.

Stu Cordelle, Business and Sales Manager Appellation Wine Tours, says that while the initial investment of electric vehicles may be higher, particularly as they're custom made vehicles, they have much lower operating costs. This is compared to fuel-based alternatives. “Electricity is generally cheaper than diesel or petrol, and maintenance expenses are reduced due to fewer moving parts and less wear and tear,” he says.

Electric vehicles are typically known to require fewer parts with less need for replacement. They require servicing less frequently. Additionally, large electric vehicles in New Zealand benefit from a government incentive. They are exempt from road user charges until December 2025, creating further savings for the business. “Vehicle driving range was another important consideration. In a typical day including pick-ups and drop offs around Queenstown, a tour can cover anywhere between 150 – 200 kilometres,” Sarah adds. 

With an estimated driving range of 250 km per trip in a Ford E-Transit, Appellation is pleased to be touring the district comfortably without needing to stop and charge. This ensures a great guest experience. By investing in EV charging stations for their yard in Frankton, vehicles are fully charged and ready to go each morning. This creates efficiencies for drivers and the business by not having to travel to top up fuel at the end of each day. Sarah says, “It’s peace of mind for our drivers knowing they can come back to the yard, charge it ready for the morning.”

Fortunately, if for any reason they do get caught out with low charge, many wineries and cellar doors have installed their own electric charging stations.

Looking ahead, the team is learning each day about the way speed and weather can impact driving range. They are adapting as they go. They’re also looking at continuing to invest more in sustainable business practices and assets, and starting to measure carbon use.

Larger electric passenger vehicles in New Zealand are not readily available and hard to source. So Appellation’s advice to anyone thinking about electrifying a fleet is to plan it early. Investing in the two Ford E-Transits is just the beginning for Appellation. It is a step in the right direction for business, guest experience and the wider region.