Electrifying EV conference programme finalised

New Zealand’s EV driving forces will be there as The EVent – EVs and Beyond Electric Vehicle Industry Conference – is confirmed for Electric Island Waiheke in Auckland on March 1 and 2.

Latest programme additions include UBCO NZ chief executive Timothy Allan talking about how the Tauranga-based dual-wheel drive 2X2 electric on and off-road utility motorcycle company has become a success story.

Electric buses have been introduced to Auckland and on Waikehe Island, prompting Auckland Transport bus fleet transition specialist Steve Zahorodny to explain its low emission bus roadmap, focusing on accelerating the transition to zero emission buses.

And ChargeNet NZ chief executive and co-founder Steve West looks at establishing an effective workplace charging strategy and utilising shared infrastructure in his presentation.

The conference at the Waiheke Island Resort will set the pace around debate about recent Government emissions measures expected in the Clean Car Import Standard, consideration of EV incentives and more.

Keynote speaker and Climate Change Commission chair Dr Rod Carr fronts the second day of the conference talking about the commission’s recently released draft advice urging action and what it all means.

The two-day programme will be launched by Waiheke Local Board chair Cath Handley – the board adopting the Electric Island Waiheke Trust’s goals to exclude fossil fuels by 2030.

EVs and Beyond publisher Auto Media Group Ltd managing editor Richard Edwards then opens the conference and will moderate various panel discussions.

Gary Freedman talks about ElectricAir’s achievements in getting the first electric aircraft into New Zealand’s skies, and East by West Ferries managing director Jeremy Ward aims to have a new electric ferry on the water in Wellington shortly.

Liz Yeaman of Retyna consulting covers how electric ferries are charged up, while Michael Eaglen of EV Maritime explains plans for electric ferries on Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf.

Automotive expert Phill Haynes covers the impact the Clean Car Import Standard may have on New Zealand’s vehicle fleet and sales.

Where New Zealand will get its used EVs is outlined by Hayden Johnston of GVI Electric, while the source of new EVs will be presented by Anthony MacLean of Boost Auto consultants, responsible for launching the electric MG here.

One of the first to test heavy EVs on the road is Alsco NZ with its business and product development manager Gavin Smith explaining how it’s going.

Fuso NZ sales and customer experience manager Kathy Schluter discusses its eCanter integrates into transport operations.

Hydrogen looks set to play a big role in transportation – especially in trucks.

Andrew Clennett of Hiringa Energy talks about hydrogen production and distribution, while Gavin Young from Hyundai New Zealand outlines prospects for hydrogen power.

The first day wraps up with a networking dinner with Kiwi rally driver Hayden Paddon the guest speaker.

He explains his newly launched electric rally car based on a Hyundai Kona at a session the next day, adding how he sees motorsport going electric.

Day two kicks off with Rod Carr as keynote speaker, followed by ITSNZ Young Transport Professional Amy Strang talking about how young people can play a part in designing future transport systems.

Simon McManus of ITSNZ hosts a session on “The Unbundling of Transport”, which includes Martin McMullan of Mobli, Kirsten Corson of Zilch and Jeremy Rooke from Turners’ Subsciptions.

After Paddon’s talk, Aaron Gillon of YHI Energy covers EV fleet charging and some of the pain points customers encounter, followed by Steve West’s presentation.

The afternoon session for Day Two has Gillon back to explain “peak shaving technology” and a new EV charger which can use solar and vehicle-to-everything functions.

Lincoln University lecturer Helen Fitt looks at how EVs can be part of New Zealand’s tourism industry, while Richard Heaps explains his PowerTrip app and how smart software can increase the efficiency of EVs and their journeys.

A final panel session and wrap up ends the two-day conference.

Visit www.evsandbeyond.co.nz/tickets to grab your conference spot or contact Deborah on deborah@automediagroup.co.nz or phone 027 530 5016 for more information.