VTNZ has received a $26,000 grant from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority‘s Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund to develop a reliable and affordable method of testing electric vehicle batteries in New Zealand.

“The increase of electric vehicles on New Zealand roads has increased the demand for reliability and safety assessments,” said Greg O‘Connor, VTNZ country manager. “VTNZ is pleased to have the opportunity to meet this demand for the New Zealand public and at the same time strengthen our commitment to New Zealand‘s road safety.”

Backed by parent company DEKRA, a world-leader in testing and auditing services, VTNZ will use the grant to develop an EV battery condition test, and an EV charging infrastructure performance and safety test specifically for the New Zealand market.

“VTNZ believes that a reliable battery assessment service will accelerate the up-take of electric vehicles in New Zealand. Battery testing will give buyers of second-hand electric vehicles confidence in battery condition, life expectancy, charging ability and safety,” said O‘Connor.

The Government established the contestable fund to encourage innovation and investment to accelerate the uptake of electric and other low emission vehicles in New Zealand. In 2018, a total of 10,000 electric vehicles were registered in New Zealand, a significant increase from the 210 electric vehicles registered five years ago.