EVs and Beyond conference confirms speakers

A variety of top-notch speakers will be at EVtalk’s inaugural EVs and Beyond conference at the Waiheke Island Resort, March 16 and 17.

EV uptake progress in New Zealand will be covered by Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) chief executive Andrew Caseley at 9.45am on the first day. Successful applicants in the latest round of the EECA administered low emission vehicles contestable fund have just been announced.

‘When will we see a greater choice of new and cheaper EV models?’ is the question the Motor Industry Association (MIA) of New Zealand chief executive David Crawford aims to answer in the same session.

Used imported EVs are covered by Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA) chief executive David Vincent under the banner ‘A uniquely Kiwi solution – with challenges’.

Auto Media Group editorial director Richard Edwards will moderate various panel question and answer sessions.

A special report on how EV sales are driven by fleet EV purchases is expected to come from Drive Electric, a conference supporter along with Intelligent Transport Systems NZ (ITS NZ) and the Electric Island Waiheke Trust whose chair Max Parkin will help open the conference and explain the trust’s goal to have Waiheke Island become the world’s first all-electric residential island by 2030.

ChargeNet’s Steve West, electric ferry proponent Michael Eaglen, micro-mobility expert Michael Tritt of Electrify and renewable energy for transport consultant Liz Yeaman set the pace for e-mobility on the first day’s afternoon session.

Alternative mobility forms such as ride share, car subscription and automated transport are explained, while the case for hydrogen in transport will be put by New Zealand Hydrogen Association chief executive Dr Linda Wright.

Speakers from the Labour-led coalition government and National are expected to explain election year policies around EVs on the conference’s second day, and conference Platinum Sponsor YHI Energy representatives talk about EV charging developments and using EVs as power plants with bi-directional charging (V2X).

Energy providers like Vector, Meridian, Mercury and Ecotricity NZ will put their views on the future of power for EV charging, and afternoon speakers round off the energy outlook and opportunities session.

Teslas, a Mercedes-Benz EQC, a Fuso eCanter truck, a Polaris and a host of Nissan Leafs will be displayed at an EVs and Beyond expo and public open day on March 14 at the Waiheke Sports Club, the Causeway, Ostend.

Conference sponsors include Platinum Sponsor YHI Energy, Gold Sponsors Autohub and Fuso and Silver Sponsors ChargeNet, GVI Electric, Laser Plumbing and Electrical NZ, SG Fleet (Polaris Commercial) and Auckland City Electric Vehicles (ACEV).

Registration includes access to the two-day conference, along with food and beverages (excluding dinner) over the two-days.

Ticket cost is $450 + GST and can be purchased here.

If you have any further questions contact event co-ordinator Deborah Baxter on 027 530 5016 or email deborah@ automediagroup.co.nz

for more information.