Testimonials
Below you can read some testimonials from satisfied EV converts:
Mike, thank you so much for all your help over the years. I really appreciate the time you've spent helping me choose the right EVs, lending me your own vehicles to test drive, and carrying out so many Leafspy readings for me, my family, and my friends.
Thank you also for the many conversations we've had about EVs, for lending and even gifting me charging leads, and for all the advice and "how-to" guidance you've shared along the way. Your generosity, knowledge, and willingness to help have made the whole EV journey much easier and far more enjoyable.
It's been greatly appreciated, and thanks to your help I'm now thoroughly enjoying all three of my EVs.
Michael Leach
Mike, your enthusiasm for EVS including building one yourself, had positive influence on our interest in the new technology.
Your creation of an EV, a Toyota RAV4, was a first in New Zealand. It was a remarkable success and with support from your brother Rob, an automotive engineer, you were able to have an article published in The Shed, a New Zealand magazine, which features creative advanced projects requiring considerable innovative thinking and achievement.
Your enthusiasm was shared with others who showed enthusiasm for what has turned out to be our future in transport.
Our purchase of an EV was assisted by observing your success and the subsequent BEVs taking off. Our Ioniq 5 Ltd AWD, now 4.5 years since new, has locked us into another planned Hyundai EV, 5 N / 6 N, with no intention of buying a petrol powered vehicle again.
Gordon Peterson (IONIQ 5 Owner)
I have known Mike Rathbone for many years. His enthusiasm for EVs has always impressed me. From his first EV, one he built himself from using an existing petrol vehicle, before EV’s started to become available in NZ. He drove this car for a number of years until more affordable EV’s became available on the market. Through building his first EV I’m sure gave Mike a very sound understanding of the positive outcomes of EV motoring.
Over the ensuing years, following his first EV, Mike has owned a wide variety of EV vehicles. His enthusiasm for EV extended at one stage to him owning 3 EVs. The third vehicle he would loan out to people showing an interest in owning an EV to allow them to experience the qualities of driving an EV compared to their existing petrol vehicle. I think all of the people Mike loaned his extra EV to went onto become EV owners themselves.
I was one of those able to borrow his spare car for a period. With Mike’s ongoing enthusiasm for EVs and my positive experience with his EV I was convinced to purchase my own when the opportunity arose. My only regret now is that I didn’t make the change to an EV sooner, as the ease and economy of driving an EV has proved to be all that Mike has spoken about for many years.
I think a number of people in the Hutt Valley area where we live have Mike to thank for their interest in owning and driving an EV. His generosity with a loan vehicle, and ongoing enthusiasm, to encourage others into an EV, certainly from my perspective, make Electric Vehicle Research a worthy recipient of this Automotive Award.
Alan Upston
It was really helpful to be able to borrow an EV to try out while we were deciding what to buy. Mike is so knowledgeable and could answer all of our questions, and continues to be a great source of information. He is such an advocate and his advice was practical, realistic and caring.
Ursula Summers (Nissan Leaf Owner)
Mike was really generous with his time and knowledge when I was considering an EV. His support gave me the confidence to make the switch. He was equally happy to help with a LeafSpy report when I recently sold my first EV to upgrade to a bigger battery.
Shona Jones
Mike's passion for clean energy is matched by his genuine commitment to community wellbeing. I first saw this when he replaced the old light fittings and bulbs in our local cafe with LEDs, completely free of charge.
His enthusiasm was just as evident when I began considering an electric vehicle. As a complete newcomer, I wondered whether a hybrid might be the safer option, but Mike encouraged me to consider going fully electric. He generously loaned me several EVs to try, helping me build confidence and understand what would work for me.
Mike then supported me in finding an EV of my own, connected me with a reputable electrician to install a home charger, and continues to help whenever questions or issues arise. He is extremely tech-savvy, and if he does not immediately know the answer, he will thoroughly research the specifics of your vehicle.
Mike's enthusiasm is infectious, his knowledge is invaluable, and his generosity is remarkable. Quite honestly, if there is ever a significant power cut, I will be heading to his place - probably with the rest of the community in tow!
Kaylee Gibbs