By Belinda Nevin, Head of Curatorial Research, Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT)
Pain at the pump is something many people across the whenua are experiencing with the closing of the Strait of Hormuz, though fuel rationing is nothing new to Aotearoa.
Global impacts in the 1940s and later in the 1970s caused different approaches to fuel sources be considered. World War Two resulted in global shortages of many raw materials during the 1940s, and geo-political disruption in the Middle East during the 1970s caused communities to look at our collective use and dependence on fuel. The measures taken by the New Zealand Government included carless days and a reduction in speed from 100 – 80kms on the open road. In our national collection, there are several examples of the measures that were put in place, including petrol ration tokens, public awareness posters and more.
And while we largely rely on a significant amount of fuel which passes through the Hormuz strait, technologies have looked to swap out unsustainable sources of energy to reduce our reliance on fossil fuel. To demonstrate the innovation in this space, MOTAT has recently acquired objects, along with some old favourites, which show how different energy sources have been embraced in recent decades.
In Auckland, originally tram carriages were pulled by horses, later steam-powered motors and finally electrified, although this electrification still largely relied on steam power. Steam and coal-powered boilers would power large generators which created 500-600 volts of DC electricity. This power was fed straight into the tram wires without conversion, so most electric trams were built to rely on this kind of electricity.
On special occasions, such as rugby games, or race days, the boilers couldn’t keep up with so many trams on the go and the trams would slow to a walking pace. Because of this, mercury arc rectifiers were installed throughout New Zealand to convert the high voltage AC (alternating current) energy from the National Grid into DC (direct current) which powered electric trams and later trolley buses during the first half of the 20th century.
Tram services also operated throughout a number of regional centers, with motive energy being harnessed from sources including steam boilers. Steam Tram 100 operated in Whanganui for several decades. While originally fueled by coke, a high carbon fuel, it is now fueled by biofuel briquettes, a renewable energy source made from woody biomass.
E-revolution for micromobility
Rising fuel prices, limited fossil fuel reserves, and environmental concerns have forced many of us to rethink the way we move about the rohe. Individual transport options like e-scooters and e-bikes are now familiar on our streets with Lime scooters being introduced in 2018 and e-bikes in 2015. Companies like NZ Post are also setting the pace, with the familiar Paxster out on Aotearoa streets delivering mail since2016.
Cleaner skies
Energy sources are also changing for aircraft, traditionally powered by aviation fuel which uses leaded Avgas unlike motor vehicles which have been unleaded since the 1970s. Unfortunately, aviation fuel is particularly damaging as burning fuel at high altitudes creates much greater damage than burning it at ground level.
To fill this gap, Wisk Aero is developing a range of autonomous, electric aircraft that will operate as air taxis. These vertical-lift aircraft are designed to fly passengers between heliports, offering a quick commute through the skies.
On the water, the Manta5 hydrofoil harnesses e-battery power to cycle on the sea. This innovation followed from the Gibbs Aquada which – while it uses petrol – does offer a one-vehicle-multiple-terrains option.
In the 1990s solar energy was harnessed in an exciting engineering and design race titled ‘The World Solar Challenge’ which invited innovators to invent a high-speed vehicle that could travel the 3000kms from Darwin to Adelaide. In 1993 the Solar Kiwi Team raced in this ‘event of the future’ placing 15th in the competition.
Giving new life to innovations like these, the current fuel crisis is acting as a powerful driver for alternate fuel sources, enabling us to reimagine greener options while remaining connected.
