Test drives of the latest EVs and the chance to meet humanoid robots will be headline features of the inaugural NZ EV & Tech Expo at Auckland Showgrounds from 13 -15 November.
The three-day expo aims to bring the EV ecosystem together under one roof, with vehicles, AI, robotics, smart technology, green energy and EV finance support all featuring.
The event comes amid growing demand for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in New Zealand. According to Motor Industry Association data, battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles accounted for 24.3% of new vehicle registrations in September 2026, up from 8.9% for the same period last year. In September, every second private registration was a plug-in vehicle.
Visitors can book 15-20 minute test drives with participating brands along a dedicated route adjacent to Auckland Showgrounds. Confirmed test-drive brands include Geely, Tesla, BYD, Kia, Toyota, Volvo, Polestar, Zeekr, Honda, Subaru, GWM, GAC, Denza, Leapmotor, Dongfeng and BAIC.
Steven Lin, founder and director of the NZ EV & Tech Expo, says the event was created to help NZers make sense of a rapidly expanding electric vehicle market: “There has never been more choice for NZers 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.
“This is where NZ’s move to electric stops being something you read about and becomes something you can see, touch and drive for yourself,” says Lin.
Alongside the test drives, a proposed three-day programme of talks, panels and live demonstrations will explore the questions facing EV buyers and the wider industry.
Dr Ashwin Jaiswal, the expo’s advisory director (AI, digital & tech strategy), is helping shape the seminar programme: “Our talks and panels cover everything from charging and battery safety to ownership costs, financing and driver-assistance technology.
Topics include whether NZ’s charging network can keep pace with EV growth, the costs and considerations of buying a first or used EV, battery safety and the role of solar power and smart charging.
Helping drivers navigate the practicalities of EV ownership is also a focus for Expo supporting partner ERoad. Its Roadrunr service simplifies road user charge (RUC) management by showing EV owners their remaining RUC balance, estimating how long it will last and alerting them when they're running low.
Visitors will also get a glimpse into the future of technology, with humanoid robots, wearable exoskeletons and artificial intelligence among the Expo's major attractions.
Unitree humanoid robots, Pudu service robots and Hypershell wearable exoskeletons will feature alongside demonstrations of smart-home technology, clean energy and emerging innovations.
“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 Expo is ultimately about giving visitors the confidence to make informed decisions about EVs and emerging technology: “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."
Early-bird tickets are $10 plus booking fee until 1 November, with children under 16 admitted free when accompanied by an adult. Test drives are included with admission, but places are limited, subject to availability, and drivers must hold a full New Zealand driver licence.
Tickets and further information are available here.
