Far Out. It's Electric. Toyota helps Kiwis explore life with an EV.

Questions about charging, range, practicality and day-to-day usability continue to shape how many New Zealanders think about electric vehicles. Rather than answering those questions itself, Toyota New Zealand has handed the keys to everyday Kiwis and invited them to find out for themselves.  

The result is Far Out. It's Electric., a new content series that sees Toyota Brand Guardians Paddy Gower, Dame Valerie Adams and Gemma McCaw invite friends and whānau to explore some of the most common questions people have about electric vehicles through real-world experiences. 

The series follows Jon, Angie and Bev alongside the Brand Guardians on real-life adventures – from helping run a school athletics day in South Auckland to escaping the city for a mountain biking trip and exploring whether an EV could fit into the demands of busy family life. 

Toyota New Zealand’s Assistant Vice President – Marketing Sustainability & Technology Susanne Hardy says the campaign was designed to reflect the fact that many New Zealanders are still navigating the transition to lower-emission vehicles. 

"We know there are plenty of questions about electric vehicles, and that's understandable. For many people, buying a vehicle is a huge decision and they want to understand how it will fit into their everyday lives. 

"Rather than telling people what they should think, we wanted to create space for honest conversations and real-world experiences. This campaign is about curiosity, not conversion." 

For Paddy Gower, who has been driving a Toyota bZ4X for around 18 months, the campaign brought to life many of the conversations he hears regularly from New Zealanders. 

"I've lost count of the number of people who've told me why they wouldn't own an EV. Often, they're repeating something they've heard rather than something they've experienced. 

"What I enjoyed about spending time with Jon was hearing the questions he had and talking them through as we went. We weren't trying to change each other's minds. It was just a chance to see what living with an EV actually looks like and whether some of those assumptions stack up." 

For Dame Valerie Adams, the experience reinforced the importance of keeping an open mind. 

"I've always believed that if you're going to have an opinion on something, it's worth giving it a go first. 

"Angie came into the experience with plenty of questions, and I think that's something a lot of New Zealanders can relate to. What stood out for me was seeing her discover a few things she hadn't expected and having some really honest conversations along the way." 

Gemma McCaw says the campaign highlighted the importance of helping people make informed choices. 

"Not every vehicle is right for every person, and that's okay. 

"What I liked about the experience with Bev was that it gave her the opportunity to ask questions and see what an EV is actually like day to day. Whether it's something she'd choose in the future is entirely up to her, but it's hard to form an opinion on something you've never experienced." 

The campaign reflects Toyota's multi-pathway approach to lower-emission mobility, recognising that there is no single solution for every New Zealander. 

Toyota continues to offer a range of electrified technologies, including battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric, hybrid electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, recognising that different drivers have different needs, lifestyles and circumstances. 

"Our approach has always been about giving New Zealanders choice," says Susanne. 

"Whether someone is ready for a battery electric vehicle today, considering a hybrid, or just beginning to explore what’s available, we want to help them make the right decisions that work for their lifestyle." 

Far Out. It's Electric. is available to watch now on the Toyota New Zealand YouTube channel.