Words: Kyle Cassidy
Published 30 June 2026
A new consumer-focused motoring event dedicated to electric vehicles and emerging transport technologies is set to debut in Auckland later this year, giving Kiwi buyers the opportunity to compare and test drive a wide range of EVs and plug-in hybrids in one location.
The inaugural NZ EV & Tech Expo will run from November 13 to 15 at Auckland Showgrounds, bringing together vehicle manufacturers, charging providers and industry experts under one roof.
Organisers say the three-day event is aimed at helping New Zealand motorists navigate an increasingly crowded electrified vehicle market by providing hands-on access to the latest products and technology.
Visitors will be able to test drive vehicles onsite, while also learning more about charging solutions, ownership costs and the practicalities of transitioning to electric motoring.
Laurence Carey, Managing Director of Squid Group, believes face-to-face experiences remain crucial for buyers, despite many consumers beginning their vehicle search online.
“There’s a lot of interest in EVs and plug-in hybrids, but for many people the market still feels crowded and confusing,” explained Carey. “This expo gives people the chance to compare the latest models in person and actually test drive a few vehicles before making the decision to buy.”
He added: “Every major electric and hybrid brand will be under one roof. For someone trying to make a decision, that’s genuinely rare, and it changes the whole experience.”
A series of educational seminars will run throughout the event, covering topics such as finance options, battery safety, advanced driver assistance systems, government support initiatives and New Zealand’s expanding charging infrastructure network.
Organisers report strong early exhibitor interest, with a number of automotive brands already confirming their attendance.
Among the manufacturers signed up for the event are Geely, which has secured naming rights as title automotive sponsor, alongside Arcfox, Baic, Dongfeng, Farizon, Leapmotor, Lotus, Polestar, Smart, Volvo and Zeekr.
Jordan Haines, Brand Manager for Geely, said the Chinese marque sees the expo as an important platform for educating consumers.
“Geely is committed to electrifying New Zealand’s future by bringing accessible vehicles to market at price parity with ICE. We are proud to partner with The NZ EV & Tech Expo to lead the discussions of EV’s in New Zealand and show that our electrified vehicle range is the perfect fit for New Zealanders.”
Early bird tickets to the inaugural NZ EV & Tech Expo are available free of charge through the event’s website evtechexpo.co.nz
