New Zealand to enter the next phase of EV uptake

With over 13,500 EVS on the road in New Zealand, progress is being made in EV uptake. All eyes are on the Government to see whether it will be maintaining National’s target of 64,000 by 2021. However, EV registrations in the past six months are down on the preceding six months.

There is then some urgency on the part of the Government in achieving the target, and there is anticipation on whether there will be announcements relating to incentives and initiatives to help reach the goal.

In terms of charging options, Northland has proven exemplary in terms of being well connected, and electric car users have over 13 charging stations to get around the north. Charge stations have been installed in towns such as Kaiwaka, Matakohe, Ruakaka, Marsden Pt, Dargaville, Whangarei South, Whangarei Central, Tutkawa, Kawakawa, Kerikeri, Kaikohe and Kaitaia, Coopers Beach.

On the vehicle supply side, access to new EVS in New Zealand is limited due to global demand, and it is used EVS that currently make up the bulk of (electric) fleets. It is highly likely that demand is going to outstrip supply for the next few years and this could severely hamper our ability to keep up the pace of adoption required to hit the 2021 target.

With all major OEMS either extending their EV ranges or planning on entering the electric market, a whole new world of EVS will become available over the next few years. Add to this a range of exciting new start-ups coming out of China and we could be looking at a vibrant future marketplace with diverse offerings at all price points and for all end users.

So where to with the next phase of EV uptake? There is still room for more innovation, and there is excitement on new developments and how the implementation of these can be mainstreamed.

Progress can be achieved by raising the profile of EVS among the general public and this will also make the case for EV fleet adoption by corporates.

Conferenz will be hosting in Auckland the 3rd Evworld NZ. This will bring the key parties together to understand the role they need to play in driving the transition and be armed with the information and evidence they need for this revolution.

To be held August 1-3, the first two days will be devoted to an industry conference providing the very latest updates on Government EV policy, as well as global keynote sessions, exploring approaches to incentivising uptake from all around the world.

The conference shares a vision of the future of mobility. That future is widely expected to be; electric, connected, shared and autonomous.

Are EVS as we currently know them, just a stepping stone on that journey? And how are Mobility-as-a-service providers, ride share services and micro-mobility options preparing consumers for the future? What will be the best tactics to overcome any cultural or psychological barriers to enable acceptance of shared ownership as a concept?

Sessions will provide the discussion for the current use case for the whole spectrum of electric vehicles, from scooters to planes, via trucks buses and ferries.

This is the opportunity for manufacturers and the motor trade and end users to explore practical ways to ensure we get the access to EV supply which New Zealand needs.

There are also the free-to-attend seminars and expo at Evworld NZ held at ASB Showgrounds, providing an opportunity to come and join the debate and learn from global thought leaders in this space. A public day will be themed for all ages on the Sat 3 August. View evworld.nz for more information.