EV expo to debut in Auckland this November

A new consumer-focused event showcasing electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and emerging transport technology will debut in Auckland later this year.

The inaugural NZ EV & Tech Expo will be held at Auckland Showgrounds from November 13-15, bringing together vehicle brands, charging providers and industry experts under one roof.

The event will allow visitors to compare and test drive a range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), while learning more about charging, ownership costs and the transition to electric motoring.

Squid Group managing director Laurence Carey is helping organise the event and said the expo was designed to help buyers navigate an increasingly crowded EV market.

“There’s a lot of interest in EVs and plug-in hybrids, but for many people the market still feels crowded and confusing,” he said.

“This expo gives people the chance to compare the latest models in person and actually test drive a few vehicles before making the decision to buy.”

Carey said having multiple brands in one location would make it easier for buyers to compare their options.

“Every major electric and hybrid brand will be under one roof. For someone trying to make a decision, that’s genuinely rare, and it changes the whole experience.”

The event will also feature seminars covering finance options, battery safety, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), government support initiatives and New Zealand’s expanding public charging network.

Organisers said exhibitor interest had been strong, with Geely signing on as the title automotive sponsor. Other confirmed exhibitors include Arcfox, Baic, Dongfeng, Farizon, Leapmotor, Lotus, Polestar, Smart, Volvo and Zeekr.

Geely brand manager Jordan Haines said the company viewed the expo as an opportunity to educate consumers about EVs.

“Geely is committed to electrifying New Zealand’s future by bringing accessible vehicles to market at price parity with ICE. We are proud to partner with The NZ EV & Tech Expo to lead the discussions of EVs in New Zealand and show that our electrified vehicle range is the perfect fit for New Zealanders.”

Early bird tickets for the NZ EV & Tech Expo are available free of charge through the event’s website.