In conclusion, the key barrier to improved EV performance, lower costs and increased market uptake is their technology and, in particular, current generation lithium-ion batteries. Unless existing battery chemistries are further developed and specific energy, power and lifespan characteristics are improved, the range and overall life of electric vehicles will remain inferior to that of internal combustion vehicles. These developments are likely to occur through research by the leading battery technology manufacturers in South Korea and Japan. The actual integration of these battery systems and mass manufacturing of EVs will occur predominantly in the United States and Japan. Consequently, in the short- to medium-term New Zealand will have wait for large manufacturers in other countries to increase EV production and decrease local prices through the economies of scale. However, New Zealand should start preparing now for the introduction of EVs. This includes the development of smart grid technology, increased renewable integration for charging, and real-world research into the potential of vehicle-to-grid technology for facilitating increased integration of these resources into the grid.

Presented at the 2013 EEA conference