Nordic EV Summit cancelled by Covid-19

EV gatherings worldwide are being delayed or dropped due to concerns about the Covid-19 coronavirus spread.

The Nordic EV Summit planned in April has been postponed until later this year due to Norwegian health authorities cancelling all public events with more than 500 people.

Australia and New Zealand have also suggested delaying or cancelling events with similar numbers.

The 2020 summit is now expected to take place between weeks 35-44 with the same theme, -Entering the Electric Era which looks at global EV policies – exact dates due to be announced shortly.

“We very much regret having to postpone the Nordic EV Summit, but the health of our speakers, partners, attendants and the general population comes first,” say Norwegian EV Association secretary general Christina Bu and TU Media chief executive Jan M Moberg.

Organisers suggest those who have already bought tickets can attend the later event or seek a refund.

The Geneva International Motor Show planned for March 5-15 was cancelled following a Swiss government ban on gatherings of 1000 people or more due to Covid-19 concerns.

Various agencies and companies are also limiting or banning staff attendances at events to restrict the pandemic.

In Australia, conferences postponed include the Clean Energy Council, Energy Efficiency Council, Australian Emission Reduction conference, Hydrogen 2020, Sydney Climate Action Summit and more.

EV initiatives in New Zealand have been delayed, including launches and other events.

Kiwi Eva Hakansson’s Green Envy electric streamliner motorcycle was due to get its first real test at Speed Week and World Speed Trials from March 23-27 on Lake Gairdner in Australia but that has been cancelled by Dry Lakes Racers Australia.

Hakansson and husband Bill Dupe have to undergo 14-days self-isolation on their return to New Zealand.

Major car shows featuring EVs are expected to follow the Geneva International Motor Show’s example.