New Zealand’s only dedicated electric vehicle (EV) expo will return this weekend with a bigger venue reflecting both the growing popularity and curiosity for all electric-powered vehicles.
Hosted by Conferenz, the annual EVworld NZ industry and public expo has moved from Manukau Events Center to the ASB Showgrounds in Greenlane from 9-11 August.
The three-day event includes Industry Forums, Conferences and culminates in a free public open day on Saturday 11 August that includes free seminars, EV ride and drive experiences and over 100 exhibitors showcasing everything EV.
In its first year, EVworld NZ brought together local and international industry experts, over 2,600 visitors and 160 EVs to one place, connecting the New Zealand public with the experts and businesses driving the changing landscape of transport solutions.
GM of sponsorship at Conferenz, Dominic Duncan said the growth of the event reflected Kiwis increasing appetite and interest in electric vehicles.
“We’re seeing a huge increase of interest from exhibitors”, say Duncan.
“The ASB Showground will give the show an enhanced experience with a greater opportunity for interactive exhibitions as well as increased opportunity for ride-drive experiences outside the venue.”
EVworldNZ kicks off on 9 August with an Industry Forum including talks on network and infrastructure issues, a motor industry EV forum, local government forum and EV fleet development.
On 10 August EVworldNZ hosts an Industry Conference, headlined by keynote speaker Kellen Schefter from the Edison Electric Institute in America.
Schefter will highlights lessons from leading global markets on how to build an EV ecosystem, including policy levers, cross-sector collaborations and how New Zealand can become part of the global EV revolution.
On 11 August EVworldNZ provides an opportunity for Kiwis to experience and learn about EVs in all forms with a free public day.
In 2018, EVworldNZ will showcase some of the latest EVs to hit local dealerships from Hyundai, BMW, Mini and Mitsubishi – many of which visitors will be available to experience first-hand with ride & drive opportunities running all day.
2018 will see the latest electric scooters, e-bikes. e-trucks, e-buses and the shows first electric-powered boat. Visitors will also go into the drawn to win a Hyundai Kona EV for one month or a Maverick e-bike.
However, growing demand and curiosity around EVs is not exclusive to Auckland; interest from South Islanders has enabled Conferenz to develop a new event: EVworld South to be held on 23&24 November at the Airfoce Museum, Christchurch.
Info and tickets about EVworldNZ and EVworld South can be found at www.conferenz.co.nz