Latest news with #EnergyEfficiencyandConservationAuthority
Scoop
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scoop
EV Battery Fires Expose New Zealand Regulatory Gap
The fire that destroyed a North Shore recycling facility is a stark reminder of what's at stake when battery systems outpace regulation. In the wake of the Wairau Valley blaze — where lithium batteries may have contributed to the scale of destruction — the Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA) is renewing its call for national standards governing the reuse and recycling of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. A new industry report investigates concerns around battery end-of-life management in Aotearoa. It finds that while a growing number of businesses are repurposing and recycling EV batteries, they are doing so without formal safety standards, oversight, or ownership rules. 'We're putting lithium batteries into the community at scale, but we don't have a clear plan for what happens when they reach the end of their life,' says VIA Chief Executive Greig Epps. No standards, no certainty The sector report, authored by VIA Technical Lead Malcolm Yorston, shows that battery handling practices vary widely across the country. Some operators use Korean and aviation-grade standards for testing and fire containment, but these are imported workarounds — not a substitute for locally approved systems. Recyclers and refurbishers face additional complexity due to inconsistent battery chemistries, opaque supply chains, and restrictions on access to diagnostic software. Many operate in good faith, but in the absence of formal guidance, even responsible actors are exposed to legal and insurance risks. Some insurers have already begun withdrawing coverage for second-life battery installations, especially in residential settings. The stakes are rising as EV uptake accelerates. Batteries from vehicles imported ten years ago are now reaching end-of-life — and more are arriving each year. VIA's report notes that while local operators collaborate where possible, including partnerships between refurbishers and certified recyclers, there is still no domestic facility capable of extracting lithium or other critical materials at scale. Three steps the government should take now Establish national standards and a battery registry VIA is calling for a comprehensive set of EV battery handling and reuse standards tailored to New Zealand conditions, along with a centralised battery tracking system to ensure end-to-end accountability. Define battery ownership at end-of-life Without clear rules, uncertainty over who is responsible for a used battery creates gaps in compliance, handling, and insurance. VIA says this lack of clarity puts consumers and recyclers at risk. Fund safe infrastructure and training Businesses need investment in safe storage facilities, handling equipment, and certified training pathways. VIA also sees a role for the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) in funding sector development and supporting long-term recovery capabilities. The report also highlights viable international models New Zealand could adapt, including the EU's battery lifecycle regulations and Chinese specifications for second-life battery use. These could form the basis for co-designed local guidance in partnership with industry, recyclers, OEMs, and insurers. The fire at Abilities Group may not yet be officially attributed to lithium batteries, but the industry says the pattern is clear. In the absence of national direction, battery-related risks are falling through the cracks. 'There's already a network of businesses doing this work, and doing it with integrity,' says Epps. 'But if we don't act now, we'll keep putting lives and property at risk — and we'll miss the opportunity to build a safe and sustainable battery recovery system.' ABOUT VIA (Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association) represents businesses involved in importing, preparing, wholesaling, and retailing used vehicles into New Zealand, primarily from Japan, Singapore, and other markets. As the industry's collective voice, VIA engages with government and stakeholders to support fair regulation and sustainable practices across the sector.
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Budget To Increase Energy Hardship
Budget 2025 delays our transition to a low emissions and low-cost energy network, this will put even more pressure on households, businesses and the climate. 'This Budget doesn't leave enough to keep the lights on, let alone spark the transition towards a low-emissions and low-cost electricity network,' says the Green Party's Spokesperson for Energy, Scott Willis. 'Stripping $56 million from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority comes on top of last year's vicious cut. This cut is effectively delivering energy hardship to those who are already struggling. 'Aotearoa can be a country where every home is powered with clean, green affordable energy that lowers our emissions and lowers costs on households. However, this will require action and ambition, something that is completely missing in this Budget. 'A meagre $2 million for households to counter energy hardship is a joke when we know there's some 110,000 households doing it tough. 'Since the Government has come into power we have seen the preservation of an energy market that prioritises profit and fossil fuels over our communities and the climate. This Budget further cements that direction and opens the door wide open to more fossil fuelled climate disasters. 'A Green Government would separate the gentailers that are dominating the energy market and invest $4.8 billion in renewables over four years directly in new renewable energy and storage to benefit both people and planet in the long and short term. We can have cleaner, cheaper, smarter power with the right political will. 'Through a mix of grants and interest-free loans, our Green Budget would create a Clean Power Payment to help people cover the upfront cost of zero carbon upgrades and energy efficiency. 'It's not inevitable that thousands of people have to choose between heating and eating. Our energy network needs to work for us, instead of serving shareholders. 'We can build a more sustainable and affordable energy network that puts people and planet before the profits of our gentailers,' says Scott Willis.
