New Zealand Electric Vehicle Battery Market Size and Forecast by Propulsion Type, Battery Type, and Vehicle Type: 2019-2033

New Zealand Electric Vehicle Battery Market Growth and Performance

• New Zealand EV battery market recorded XX% year-on-year growth in 2024, driven by increased investment and policy support, closing the year at US$ XX million.
• Looking ahead, a CAGR of XX% is forecasted through 2033, taking the market beyond the US$ XX million mark.

New Zealand Electric Vehicle Battery Market Outlook

The New Zealand electric vehicle (EV) battery market is undergoing a transformative shift, shaped by pioneering reuse strategies, global expert collaboration, and evidence-based policy advocacy. These initiatives reflect New Zealand’s ambition to transition toward a low-emission, circular economy where EV batteries are seen not only as power sources for mobility but as integral components of a smarter, more flexible energy ecosystem. In January 2025, Counties Energy launched the Berm Battery project, a landmark development in New Zealand’s energy infrastructure. This initiative reimagines the lifecycle of EV batteries by transforming used units—specifically 18 second-life Nissan Leaf batteries with 50-80% remaining capacity—into modular, mobile energy storage systems. These units can deliver rapid charging at 180kW, a significant improvement from standard rates, and are capable of storing up to 240kWh of off-peak energy for high-demand deployments. The system’s modularity allows for daisy-chaining, physical relocation, and integration with the grid or microgrids during outages. Developed in partnership with Australian firm Relectrify, and supported by EECA, this technology contributes to grid resiliency and aligns with New Zealand’s high renewable energy capacity, positioning batteries as critical backup and load-balancing tools.

The Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capability further enhances this vision. Currently in pilot stages, V2G allows bidirectional energy flow—enabling EVs not only to draw power from the grid but to supply it back during peak demand or outages. This technology leverages solar integration as well, letting EV owners store solar energy during daylight and discharge it later, optimizing both economic efficiency and grid stability. Counties Energy is developing this as part of a broader Distribution System Operator (DSO) model, which coordinates decentralized energy assets like EVs, solar, and home appliances for local and national energy markets. These approaches are vital for enabling New Zealand’s digital energy future.

Back in July 2024, Auckland hosted a pivotal event organized by Drive Electric, bringing together international leaders in battery technology. Experts like Jim Lennon (Macquarie Bank) and Dr. Euan McTurk (Plug Life Consulting) led discussions on global supply chains, ethical sourcing of battery minerals, and future technological advancements. The event reinforced the importance of assessing environmental and social impacts across the entire battery lifecycle—from extraction through end-of-life recycling. This dialogue also emphasized the need for transparency and accountability as global EV adoption accelerates and regulatory scrutiny increases.

In December 2023, Drive Electric released research focused on the impact of policy shifts—especially the removal of the Clean Car Discount. The study revealed that eliminating this incentive could result in 100,000 to 350,000 fewer EVs on New Zealand roads by 2030. Such a reduction could drastically increase national emissions and hinder economic competitiveness. Drive Electric recommended transitional policies such as phased-out discounts, targeted exemptions, and incentives for commercial EV fleet adoption to sustain momentum. These insights are vital for policymakers as they design frameworks that balance fiscal responsibility with environmental necessity.

Collectively, these developments illustrate a cohesive national strategy to elevate the EV battery market beyond conventional use. From second-life repurposing and cutting-edge V2G trials to robust international collaboration and progressive policy research, New Zealand is not only catching up but aiming to lead. This convergence of technology, knowledge, and regulation ensures the country is well-positioned to meet its carbon reduction targets while maintaining energy reliability and economic viability in a rapidly electrifying world.

New Zealand Electric Vehicle Battery Market Scope