The past year has been one of the most active and consequential for the electric transport sector and our valued members.
Significant policy changes and increased public attention to EVs — including heightened media coverage on issues such as EV fires — have placed the sector firmly in the spotlight. In response, Drive Electric has been actively engaging with officials, strengthening our role as an evidence-based voice providing insight and practical industry guidance.
It has also been our busiest year for advocacy, with submissions and engagement across building standards, IRD and FBT policy, procurement frameworks, smart charging requirements, electricity connections, and Resource Management Act reforms. We also launched our Home Charging White Paper, which initiated an important change to legislation.
Over the past year, Drive Electric has broadened its focus to include commercial and heavy electric transport, welcomed new members and board representatives, and supported our Charge Point Operator (CPO) subgroup to deliver meaningful progress on charging infrastructure challenges.
As policy debates intensified, so too did our media presence. The Drive Electric board and working team have played an increasingly visible role in helping ensure the conversation around electric transport in Aotearoa remains informed, balanced, and forward-looking.
None of this work would be possible without the support of our members.
Thank you for enabling Drive Electric to continue advocating for cleaner, smarter transport across Aotearoa.
ADVOCACY UPDATE
Drive Electric continues to meet with Ministers and officials, submit formal advice on e-mobility legislation, and contribute to policy development — helping shape Aotearoa’s transition to cleaner, smarter transport.
Explore our previous policy submissions on our website. Here are some of the latest developments.
ENA RELEASES EV JOURNEY CHARGING REPORT
The new report is a useful contribution to the conversation, but its narrow focus on passenger vehicle charging along state highways risks underestimating what will be needed to support EV uptake in Aotearoa.
Journey charging is only one part of the picture. Heavy vehicles, tourism destinations, and high-capacity charging hubs will all be critical to a confident national charging network. Read Drive Electric’s response.
SAFETY STANDARDS FOR E-MOBILITY BATTERIES
Drive Electric has written to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs with an urgent recommendation on improving safety standards for lithium-ion batteries entering the New Zealand market.
The letter highlights growing risks from low-quality batteries in imported e-bikes and e-scooters, and the possibility of Aotearoa becoming a dumping ground for unsafe products already restricted overseas.
Read our proposal to lift safety standards and better protect people and property.
FROM MICRO TO MACRO: GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT RULE CHANGES
The Government has opened consultation proposed transport rule updates.
The Lane Use Package
Drive Electric has made a submission on the Lane Use Package, proposing that compliant e-scooters be permitted to use cycle lanes as a logical step to improve safety and reduce pressure on footpaths.
Our submission emphasises the importance of clear rules, consistent enforcement of existing power and speed limits, and safe riding practices. Micromobility has an important role in Aotearoa’s wider transport transition, particularly for first- and last-mile journeys.
The Heavy Vehicle Package
Drive Electric supports the Government’s proposed changes to driver licensing thresholds for zero-emission vehicles in the Heavy Vehicle Package.
Our submission will recommended further measures to support freight decarbonisation, including aligning heavy EV Road User Charge (RUC) exemptions with uptake milestones and introducing accelerated depreciation for commercial e-trucks to improve the business case for fleet electrification.
Both consultations close 25 March 2026.
If you have insights or feedback, please contact Dean Roscherr — your input strengthens our advocacy.
EECA 2026/2027 LEVY FUNDING CONSULTATION
EECA is consulting on its proposed energy levy funding for the 2026/27 financial year, maintaining the current level of $23.259 million to support programmes that improve energy efficiency and accelerate the shift to renewable energy.
Drive Electric supports EECA’s overall direction while recommending stronger promotion of smart EV charging, clearer information on EV total cost of ownership, and expanding the Low Emissions Heavy Vehicle Fund to include light commercial vehicles such as courier vans. Here are the full details.
AUSTRALIAN EV POLICY IMPACT
New data from Australia’s Department of Climate Change and Energy shows transport sector emissions declined 0.4% in the year to September 2025 — the first decline since the pandemic.
Industry groups attribute the change in part to the Electric Car Discount, which has accelerated EV uptake by reducing their cost through salary packaging.
EXPLORE OUR UPGRADED EV DATABASE
In September, we held an online Heavy Fleet Workshop following extensive research and input from our In partnership with Cogo, we’ve upgraded our EV database to make it easier to find the right EV for your needs.
Curious which EV might suit your lifestyle or fleet? Our database allows drivers and organisations to review features and performance to make informed decisions.
Find the EV that works for you.
MEMBER NEWS
We’re pleased to welcome Turners as a Corporate Member of Drive Electric.
Turners is the largest used vehicle network in Aotearoa New Zealand, with more than 30 locations nationwide and thousands of vehicles available. For nearly 60 years, Turners has helped Kiwis buy and sell used vehicles, and now offers a full suite of services including finance, insurance, servicing and repairs.
As the used EV market continues to grow, organisations like Turners play an important role in making electric vehicles accessible to more New Zealanders.
BYD
Drive Electric’s Dean Roscherr joined 14 journalists for an “Amazing BYD ATTO 1 E-Venture”, taking seven new vehicles across Waiheke Island to experience the car in real-world conditions. Watch the highlights.
EO CHARGING
EO Charging has released new research examining more than 300 fleet decision-makers across the UK and US shows the financial case for electrification is strengthening. 43% of fleet operators expect total cost of ownership to fall as they transition to EVs, with many organisations already reporting operational savings. Explore the report.
Together, we’re building a more sustainable, smarter transport system for Aotearoa. Let’s keep the momentum going – subscribe to our newsletter below.
