Could you live with an EV? Auckland’s weekend expo is a chance to find out

More than 70 vehicles are expected at Auckland Showgrounds this weekend, with test drives and talks covering everything from public charging to what to check on a used EV.

By Webfit News | 11 November 2026

An electric car can look like a good buy until you picture where you’ll charge it on a wet Tuesday night. If you park on the street, will public charging fit around work and school pick-ups? If you’re buying second-hand, how do you know what shape the battery is in?

Those are the kinds of questions visitors can bring to the first NZ EV & Tech Expo, which runs from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 November at Auckland Showgrounds in Epsom.

The expo is led by founding director Stevens Lin and director and conference producer Dr Ashwin Jaiswal. The three-day programme brings vehicle displays and test drives together with panel discussions, presentations and clinics.

Organisers expect more than 70 vehicles on display, ranging from compact city cars to family SUVs and electric vans. The line-up includes electric vehicles and hybrids, with brands including BYD, Kia, Toyota, Tesla, Geely, Volvo and Subaru taking part.

What a test drive can tell you

The expo’s test drives are expected to run for 15 to 20 minutes on a dedicated route near the showgrounds. That’s enough time to get a feel for visibility, seating and how easy the controls are to use. With several brands in one place, you can compare those details while they’re still fresh in your mind.

Test drives are included with admission, but places are limited and only selected vehicles are available. Drivers need a full New Zealand driver licence. You can request a preferred vehicle and session in advance, with final times subject to availability and confirmation on site.

Buying second-hand? Start with the battery

Saturday’s 3pm session on used EVs covers battery health, warranties and resale value. If you’ve been comparing listings online, it’s a chance to work out which questions to ask before putting down a deposit. Can the seller show you a recent battery health report? How much of the battery warranty remains, and does it transfer to the next owner?

Friday’s programme includes a 12.05pm panel on whether New Zealand’s public charging network can keep up with demand. For Aucklanders who rent, park on the street or regularly drive out of town, where chargers are located can matter as much as the range listed on the brochure.

Sunday’s programme looks at what happens further down the track, with sessions on recovering materials from used EV batteries and how electric vehicles might work alongside solar generation and home battery storage.

There’s plenty to see beyond the cars

The organisers’ programme includes live demonstrations of humanoid and service robots, as well as exhibits on solar power, home batteries and smart-home technology. Wearable exoskeletons are also on the line-up. If you’re bringing children, under-16s get in free with an accompanying adult.

Plan your visit

• Venue Auckland Showgrounds, Epsom

• Friday 13 November 11am to 6pm

• Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 November 10am to 5.30pm

• Standard adult admission $18 plus booking fee

• Children under 16 Free with an accompanying adult