EVworld NZ expo will be huge

Associate transport minister Julie Anne Genter will deliver an opening address at EVworld NZ from August 1-3 at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland.

An electric bike fan, Genter will talk about creating the pathway and delivering leadership needed to accelerate EV uptake and whether the previous government’s target of 64,000 EVs by 2021 remains relevant.

Her session at the August 1 opening of the two-day EVworld NZ industry conference is also expected to include setting emissions targets, part of the Government’s ‘clean car’ plan which includes a ‘feebate’ scheme offering discounts for low and zero emission vehicles and penalising polluters.

More on the feebate style scheme will come from following keynote speaker National 2030-Sekretariatet (Sweden) project leader Jakob Lagercrantz.

He’ll explain Sweden’s ‘Bonus Malus’ feebate scheme, outline outcomes a year on from the scheme’s introduction and cover the benefits of moving to a smart road tax.

Other speakers and panels will discuss what’s needed for the next phase of EV uptake, the role EVs play in decarbonising the transport system and economy, ensuring sufficient EV supply, developing charging infrastructure, EV innovations and more.

The winners of the EVworld NZ Champions Awards will be announced at an evening function on August 1.

A trade expo, free seminars and continuation of the industry conference is on August 2, followed by the opening of the expo to the public on August 3.

This will be the third EVworld expo and last year it had more than 4400 visitors – that number expected to be well exceeded.

EVtalk will have a stand there, featuring a THL electric campervan, and a cut-in-half Nissan Leaf called X Ray takes pride of place on The Better NZ Trust’s site.

EVworld NZ organiser Conferenz says those attending will see new products and innovative tech and be able to ride and drive a range of e-mobility devices including electric mopeds, bikes and e-scooters on test tracks.

Expo visitor entry is free, and portable EV chargers will be provided.

Visit evworld.nz for more information.