EVs and Beyond conference kicks into gear

This story first appeared in the january issue of evtalk CLICK HERE to download the magazine FREE

The EVs and Beyond conference on Waiheke Island on March 16 and 17 is shaping up as a must attend.

The inaugural conference at the Waiheke Island Resort has national and international guest speakers covering the outlook for EVs, incentives, automated and connected transport, car and ride sharing, micro-mobility, clean power, EV charging developments and much more of interest to EV followers.

It’s brought to you by EVtalk in association with Drive Electric, Intelligent Transport Systems NZ and Electric Island Waiheke – the latter aiming to make Auckland’s popular island fully electric by 2030.

Free public open days feature on the preceding Saturday and Sunday (March 14 and 15) with displays around solar power, home EV charging, smart homes and transport, plus a record attempt for the most Nissan Leafs in one place.

EV tours and a “tent theatre” covering EV-related topics are also provided.

All this, along with food and beverage (excluding dinner) over the two-day conference is included in the $450 registration fee.

Representatives of various ride and car sharing businesses, EV charging companies like YHI – a platinum sponsor for the conference – and others will be in attendance.

The conference idea developed after the Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association secretary-general Christina Bu launched the Electric Island Waiheke project a year ago while on a visit to New Zealand.

The association is the world’s largest EV owners’ group, representing more than 50,000 owners.

Norway continues to set EV records, with 60,316 pure electric cars sold there in 2019.

That’s out of a total 142,381 cars (up 30.8% on 2018) and EVs are projected to reach nearly 60% of the new vehicle market share in 2020.

Waiheke Island EV numbers have climbed to more than 150 from 60 a year ago.

GVI Electric loaned the island four EVs to give residents a chance to drive them, more than 125 people and companies so far taking up the opportunity.

Residents also use electric bikes and e-scooters to get around the island, often hiring them.

Three taxi companies now run EVs on Waiheke, an EV bus fleet is planned, and ferries are likely to switch to electric as well.

Electric Island Waiheke is also helping Vector (aided by Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority funding) with the establishment of 80 smart EV chargers in homes and eight public fast chargers, along with a mobile EV charger for the island’s AA roadside assistant service.

So, the island is well on track to achieving its electric goal, the conference expected to contribute.

Contact Deborah at deborah@automediagroup.co.nz for more information and to register your interest.