New Zealanders will have an opportunity to explore the latest electric vehicles, experience emerging technologies and get hands-on with innovations such as humanoid robots when the inaugural NZ EV & Tech Expo takes place in Auckland this November.
Scheduled for 13–15 November 2026 at Auckland Showgrounds, the three-day event will bring together the electric vehicle industry and wider technology sector, showcasing developments in artificial intelligence, robotics, smart technology, renewable energy and EV financing.
One of the key attractions will be the opportunity for visitors to test-drive a range of electric vehicles. Participants can book 15–20-minute driving sessions along a dedicated route near the venue, allowing them to experience different models before making a purchasing decision.
Confirmed manufacturers taking part in the test-drive programme include Geely, Tesla, BYD, Kia, Toyota, Volvo, Polestar, Zeekr, Honda, Subaru, GWM, GAC, Denza, Leapmotor, Dongfeng and BAIC.
The expo comes at a time when electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are gaining significant traction in New Zealand. According to Drive Electric's analysis of NZ Transport Agency data, battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles represented 25.2 per cent of new light vehicle registrations in September 2026, compared with 9.1 per cent during the same month last year. This means approximately one in every four newly registered light vehicles fell into these categories.
Steven Lin, founder and director of the NZ EV & Tech Expo, says the event aims to make the growing EV market easier for consumers to understand by providing an opportunity to compare vehicles and access expert advice in person.
“There has never been more choice for New Zealanders looking at an electric vehicle, or more to make sense of. We created the NZ EV & Tech Expo so people can step out from behind their screens, get behind the wheel, compare the options side by side and have their questions answered by experts, all in one place,” says Lin.
He believes the expo will help turn public interest in electric mobility into practical, first-hand experience.
“This is where New Zealand’s move to electric stops being something you read about and becomes something you can see, touch and drive for yourself,” says Lin.
Beyond vehicle showcases and test drives, the event will feature a proposed three-day programme of seminars, panel discussions and live demonstrations. These sessions will address some of the most important considerations for prospective EV owners and industry professionals.
Dr Ashwin Jaiswal, the expo's Advisory Director (AI, Digital & Tech Strategy), is helping develop the seminar programme, which will cover topics ranging from charging infrastructure and battery safety to vehicle ownership expenses, financing and driver-assistance systems.
“Our talks and panels cover everything from charging and battery safety to ownership costs, financing and driver-assistance technology,” says Dr Jaiswal.
Discussions will also examine whether New Zealand's charging infrastructure can support the growing number of electric vehicles, what buyers should consider when purchasing new or used EVs, and how solar energy and smart charging can contribute to more efficient vehicle ownership.
Practical support for EV owners will also feature through expo supporting partner EROAD. Its ROADRUNR service is designed to simplify road user charges (RUC) management by allowing drivers to monitor their remaining RUC balance, estimate how long it will last and receive notifications when it is running low. The platform also brings Warrant of Fitness (WOF) and vehicle registration renewal reminders together in one place.
Technology enthusiasts will have plenty to explore, with the expo extending beyond electric mobility to showcase innovations that could shape the future of everyday living and working.
Among the featured attractions will be Unitree humanoid robots, Pudu service robots and Hypershell wearable exoskeletons. Visitors will also be able to experience demonstrations involving artificial intelligence, smart-home solutions, clean energy and other emerging technologies.
The displays aim to demonstrate how robotics and wearable technology are increasingly being developed to support human activities, improve mobility and transform the way people interact with technology.
Dr Jaiswal says the event is intended to highlight the growing connection between electric mobility and the wider technology landscape.
“The electric vehicle is where the conversation starts, but it doesn’t end there,” says Dr Jaiswal. “As vehicles become increasingly connected, AI and software are changing how we drive, interact with technology and use energy. By bringing robotics, smart homes, clean energy and emerging technologies together, we want to give New Zealanders a glimpse of a smarter, more connected future.”
Lin says the ultimate goal is to help visitors feel more confident about the choices available to them, whether they are actively considering an electric vehicle or simply interested in understanding new technologies.
“We want people to come along, ask questions and experience the vehicles and technology for themselves. Whether you’re looking for your next car or just curious about electric driving, there’s an opportunity to explore the options in one place,” says Lin.
Early-bird admission is priced at $10 plus a booking fee until 1 November 2026. Children under 16 can attend free of charge when accompanied by an adult.
Test drives are included in the admission price, although places are limited and subject to availability. Participants must hold a full New Zealand driver licence.
For tickets and further details, visit www.evtechexpo.co.nz.