VTNZ has been successful in obtaining a $26,000 grant from EECA’s (The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority), Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund, to develop a reliable and affordable method of testing electric vehicle batteries in New Zealand.
The Government has 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 EVs (electric vehicles) were registered in New Zealand, which is a significant increase from the 210 electric vehicles registered five years ago.
VTNZ country manager Greg O’Connor says with the help of the grant “the increase of electric vehicles on New Zealand roads has increased the demand for reliability and safety assessments”.
“VTNZ are pleased to have the opportunity to meet this demand from 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.
O’Connor says there are many benefits of exploring electric vehicle testing for New Zealand.
“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.”
DEKRA’s global knowledge, expertise and core focus on safety testing will aid VTNZ in understanding emerging solutions and the operational and financial implications of EV testing in New Zealand.
VTNZ was established in 1994 as a New Zealand state-owned enterprise before being privatised in 1999.
European safety company DEKRA purchased 60% of the company in 2014.
VTNZ is New Zealand’s largest automotive inspection company, completing over one million inspections every year and employing more than 600 automotive technicians across the country.
