Hundreds at Electro Mobility Summit and Expo

More than 500 people are expected at the 2024 Electro Mobility Summit and Expo in Auckland on October 16 with a similar number likely on October 17.

About 20 exhibits also feature in the free-to-attend expo at the Auckland Showgrounds in Greenlane, including electric contracting equipment, electric trucks, the Nissan Aryia NZ spec display, Ev charging stands, a Ford EV display and more.

Retyna managing director Liz Yeaman welcomed several hundred people to the first morning of the summit.

Ministry of Transport chief executive and transport secretary Audrey Sonerson spoke about Government plans for decarbonising transportation and navigating towards a greener future.

Drive Electric chair Kirsten Corson outlined the EV advocacy group’s concerns about Government changes such as removing some EV incentives, adding various groups wanted “fair and equitable” treatment to encourage EV uptake, such as Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) removal on micromobility.

Corson expects price parity between new EVs and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles soon, especially with Chinese manufacturers bringing products to New Zealand.

While Corson believes transport minister Simeon Brown has listened to Drive Electric’s and others concerns she feels New Zealand is going backwards on emissions and that “actions speak louder than words”.

ChargeNet chief executive Danusia Wypych was next up speaking about EV infrastructure while TransNet e-mobility division manager Glenn Inkster talked about navigating EV fleet charging infrastructure challenges

An energy panel is considering how New Zealand will power the EV transition and beyond, while Delta Electronics EVCS business development manager Kal Gwalani spoke about reducing the increasing demand on grid power.

Day 2 includes talks by Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EECA) delivery and partnerships group manager Richard Briggs on New Zealand’s path to a zero-carbon nation, Auckland Transport on supporting EV uptake in the region, Auckland Council representatives, Australian comparisons,and further panel discussions.

Glenn Inkster at the TransNet stand