Japanese firm potential major player in NZ EV industry

This story first appeared in the March issue of Evtalk – CLICK HERE to download the magazine FREE

A leading Japanese electronics manufacturer active in the electric vehicle space may become heavily involved in New Zealand’s renewable energy and EV industries.

Nichicon Corporation representatives are here investigating opportunities and talking to key people.

Agencies such as the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and Ministry of Transport are keen to see if Nichicon will consider New Zealand as a base for building its 230/240-volt versions of its chargers and generators, for instance.

It could pave the way for New Zealand to become a research and development hub for Nichicon’s global market in that field.

The company, which employs more than 5000 people and had net sales to March 2018 of about NZ$1.
516 billion, is developing new technologies in the EV battery charger market, especially fast chargers and vehicle to grid or home (V2G and V2H) applications.

It makes capacitors – a key component in many electronic charging devices.

Nichicon is also involved with hydrogen technology in Japan, providing renewably powered electricity generators for a hydrogen producing station, so representatives have had talks with the New Zealand Hydrogen Association too.

How Nichicon could meet New Zealand standards for its EV fast charging and other related products was also discussed at a meeting organised by the Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA), particularly around imported used EVs.

The meeting was attended by Nichicon Corporation business strategy deputy chief councillor Hiroshi Seki, along with MBIE representative Seishi Gomibuchi, VIA representatives David Vinsen and Malcolm Yorston, EV importers Hayden Johnston of GVI Electric and Henry Schmidt of Autolink, and Leck Electrical representatives Bryce Leckie and Harmony Court.

Also in the country was Nichicon’s chairman Ippei Takeda.