The EVolution is here

This story first appeared in the August issue of EVTalk – CLICK HERE to download the magazine FREE

Electric vehicles are no longer just a “thing of the future”.

Since the Government announced last year it would commit to a goal of 64,000 EVs by 2021, substantial progress has been made and the number of registered EVs has hit 4000.

New Zealand’s first electric vehicle showcase, evworldNZ, is bringing together the EVangelists, experts and EV curious to shine a spotlight on the sustainable transport future.

The public is invited to attend the expo on September 9 at the Vodafone Events Centre in Manukau. Conferenz, in association with ChargeNet NZ, is organising the event.

It’s laying on a full EV experience with rides on or drives of a range of electric vehicles.

An industry day on September 8 will help guide and develop businesses wanting to develop their commercial fleets.
The expo will feature vehicle manufacturers, ebikes and escooter stands along with seminars delivered by industry experts to assuage the concerns of the EV curious.

A common fear among EV owners centres around driving range.
The average Nissan Leaf (the most accessible EV model) has a range of 120km-180 km, making it ideal for city driving but potentially challenging for the classic Kiwi road trip.

A Hyundai Ioniq or BMW i3 now sit in the 200-250 km range and other, more high-end vehicles can reach up to 500km.

But battery technology is improving rapidly as is the rollout of public EV charging stations.

ChargeNet, a nationwide network of EV charging infrastructure, is going a long way towards curing that
range anxiety.

“ChargeNet NZ has built the only nationwide network of rapid DC charging in Australasia,” chief executive Steve West says.
“In the last two years ChargeNet NZ has made it possible to travel from Kaitaia to Bluff in an electric vehicle.”

Seminars at evworldNZ include the Ministry of Transport’s own “EV tsar” Brent Lewers who will be talking on the future of the car and how to jump on board the EVolution.

Energy, Efficiency and Conservation Authority transport manager Liz Yeaman will be elaborating on the cost side of EV ownership.
IeroSpace’s Ira Munn will be at the event to demonstrate the 3D printing of electric vehicles, which could be the next opportunity for affordable EVs.

He will be printing an EV live at the event and estimates a brand new one can be printed for as little as $10k. Sounds ridiculous? Check it out at evworldNZ.

As well as the main event, the evworldNZ Champions Awards will highlight the heroes working tirelessly to make the EV future a reality.
There are five categories: Most EV Friendly Town, EV Champion, SME-EV Award, Fleet Champion and EV Sector Sales and Service Champion, all of which will be open to votes from the public. To vote or to make a nomination for an award, go to evworld.nz/awards.

The evworldNZ expo is a chance to view, experience and hear about the EVolution with all the key stakeholders under one roof.

For more information on the free seminars and expo, go to evworld.nz where you’ll be able to pre-register for one of two great EV prizes, including the use of a brand-new Hyundai Ioniq or an e-bike to take home for keeps.