SAE International has introduced the J3327 Surface Vehicle EV Battery Global Traceability standard, which it calls the first industry-wide framework designed to document and track the journey of critical minerals used in EV batteries. The standard covers stages from extraction and manufacturing to use and end of life. SAE says that J3327 addresses urgent needs for consistent and reliable mineral traceability, helping EV manufacturers and suppliers meet evolving compliance requirements and supporting reuse and recycling operations.
J3327 is developed by SAE’s Battery Global Traceability Committee. The standard creates a structured record—an Electric Vehicle Battery Traceability Record—that enables transparent tracking of mineral sourcing and custody throughout the battery’s production and lifecycle. SAE notes that adopting this consistent approach can help companies streamline processes, manage compliance more efficiently, and support safe end-of-life battery processing.
J3327 is designed for compatibility with international supply chain requirements, including International Organization for Standardization (ISO) protocols and the European Union’s Digital Product Passport for batteries. SAE claims that the standard enhances verification and security, supporting accurate country-of-origin verification and helping to prevent falsified sourcing claims, while also reducing risks associated with battery management systems.
“This framework for an Electric Vehicle Battery Traceability Record, SAE J3327, establishes a foundation for transparent, consistent identification of critical mineral sourcing and chain of custody during processing and manufacturing of EV batteries,” said Frank Menchaca, circular economy leader at LiBridge and chair of the SAE Battery Global Traceability Committee. “It provides a consistent approach that will save companies time and money while enabling recycling and safe end-of-life processing.”
Drive Electric has been busy behind the scenes, working to accelerate the decarbonisation of transport in Aotearoa, and we have some exciting updates to share with you. From policy submissions and new research, to member milestones and new board appointments. Here’s what’s been happening:
RECENT EVENTS
2025 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)
Our AGM took place on 10 September 2025. The quality of the discussion, the insightful feedback, and the ongoing commitment from the Drive Electric ecosystem are what power our success. We are energised by what lies ahead and look forward to working with you over the coming year to bring our ambitious plans to life.
At the meeting, two new officers—Anthony MacLean (Boost Auto) and Fabian Lloyd (Fonterra)—were appointed, and five incumbent officers were reappointed to the board for a two-year term. Outgoing board member Sam Steel (EO Charging) and long-serving former events manager Hannah Henderson were awarded Lifetime Membership of Drive Electric. We are grateful for their valuable contributions. Sam’s knowledge, commitment and expertise have left a lasting impact, while Hannah’s passion, dedication and generosity have been integral to advancing Drive Electric’s mission and supporting the growth of Aotearoa’s electric transport sector for more than a decade.
DRIVING THE FUTURE WITH CUSTOM FLEET
Thank you to Custom Fleet for recently hosting and supporting us to deliver Driving the Future: Cleaner, Smarter, Greener. The international key note speakers, Seth Hochhauser and Leonard Tham, shared valuable insights on sucessful international EV fleet implementation and the future benefits of vehicle to grid (V2G) technology. Catch the full replay here to hear expert perspectives first-hand.
MEETING WITH THE MINISTER
Kirsten Corson, Eric Pellicer, and Tim Calder from the Drive Electric Board recently met with Minister Chris Bishop at Parliament.
As a member of a two-EV household, Minister Bishop brought a practical understanding of the EV transition and showed a strong willingness to listen to suggested policy changes. Both parties agreed that greater communication is needed to ensure impending decisions, policies, and press releases are shared ahead of being released.
Discussions then focused on Charge Point Operator (CPO) challenges with Electricity Distribution Businesses (EDBs). Drive Electric highlighted the urgent need for consistency in pricing, timing, and processes across all EDBs, with a focus on best-in-class standards rather than the lowest common denominator. Current regional variations prevent robust business case development and hamper infrastructure growth. Minister Bishop endorsed the creation of a national regulatory framework to elevate all participants to best-in-class standards, citing Orion and Powerco as exemplars.
The Minister also demonstrated strong support for heavy fleet electrification and welcomed Drive Electric’s expertise on road user charges (RUCs), acknowledging Aotearoa’s pioneering global position. He expressed interest in our policy workshop initiatives and the proposed heavy fleet sub-committee.
The collaborative tone of the meeting and Minister Bishop’s genuine engagement with Drive Electric’s broad membership signal positive momentum for continued sector growth and policy development.
SUBMISSION UPDATE
Streamlining New Connections
The Electricity Authority (EA) has released the network connections project decision paper that support connections to electricity networks. The changes are the first steps in the Authority’s work to make it easier and more efficient for businesses, developers and other consumers to get access to the electricity network so communities and the economy can benefit.
In July the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s (MBIE) opened consultation on a range of options to encourage the uptake of smart EV chargers.
Drive Electric submitted in support of Option 4A (smart functionality with labelling), as it best balances our goals of accelerating EV uptake while ensuring safe, efficient charging infrastructure and importantly enabling consumers up to benefit from a new dynamic energy system.
Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT)
Inland Revenue has launched a public consultation on proposals to review the FBT regime. The issues paper focuses on simplifying the rules and reducing compliance costs, with particular attention on how FBT applies to employer-provided motor vehicles.
We would like to see a greater difference in FBT rates between internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEs) and electric vehicles (EVs). Read our full submission here.
Resource Management Act (RMA) Ammendments
In May, the Government proposed new national rules to make EV charger installation a permitted activity, helping to deliver 10,000 public charging points by 2030. Drive Electric welcomed the proposals and encouraged submissions from EV user and as part of this process, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) held an excellent session with our Charge Point Operator (CPO) Subgroup in July.
Our consultation response supports the changes but also urges Ministers to consider feedback from the sector about maintenance, typical site activities, and essential infrastructure. More information and our submission can be found here.
POLICY NEWS
New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme
The Government has announced the number of units that will be available and price control limits for the NZ Emissions Trading Scheme auctions for the next five years as part of annual updates to the NZ ETS. Find out what they are here.
All-of Government (AoG) Vehicle Panel Updated
We are watching the impact of the Government’s investment boost on vehicle sales. Early signs suggest it could help the industry begin its path to recovery – there are 124,425 light EVs registered in Aotearoa.
MEMBER NEWS
We are pleased to welcome a new Corporate member to Drive Electric. PDL by Schneider Electric provides smart, scalable EV charging infrastructure and software solutions. Its portfolio includes Schneider Charge and Charge Pro platforms for residential applications, and EVlink Pro AC and DC chargers—designed for reliability, safety, and future-ready performance across commercial, and fleet applications.
Just released: Episode #12 In the Driver’s Seat
Kirsten Corson joins Dennis Kelly to discuss the future of sustainable transport in Aotearoa. From the growth of EV adoption to the importance of strong policy settings and a reliable public charging network, Kirsten outlines why the transition to a cleaner, smarter transport system is already underway. Listen to the full episode from Fleet Partners here.
There’s a new benchmark in EV performance!
The Polestar 3 has set a new Guinness World Record for the longest distance travelled by an electric SUV on a single charge — 935.44 km in one journey, beating its official WLTP range.
An unmodified Polestar 3 Long Range Single Motor achieved the feat over 22 hours and 57 minutes on public roads — electric SUVs are ready to go the distance!
Congratulations Meridian Energy
Meridian’s first fast-charging hub is now live at Auckland Airport and it’s setting a new benchmark for EV charging in Aotearoa. This isn’t just another charger on the map. It’s a purpose-built hub, designed with real EV driver needs in mind — Find out what makes this hub so special.
Good Things come in threes
We are amped to showcase three exciting collaborations between our members, bringing together expertise from across the EV ecosystem to drive innovation and impact.
IKEA and Jump Charging
Opening this December IKEA’s first store in Aotearoa at Sylvia Park will be complete with wider online shopping across the country, and EV charging infrastructure provided by Jump Charging.
This is a fantastic example of how our members are leading the charge with Jump Charging specialising in commercial EV charging to support businesses with fit-for-purpose infrastructure. When sustainable retailers like IKEA team up with innovative charging providers like Jump Charging, EV drivers get the reliable infrastructure they need while shopping for more sustainable home solutions.
The new IKEA store is a huge step forward for sustainability, with solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and a second-hand furniture programme. These initiatives, combined with accessible EV charging, are exactly what we need to make sustainable living and driving easier for everyone. We’re energised by what’s coming next!
Genesis Energy and Cogo
Genesis has launched the Go Electric Calculator – the first time a kiwi energy provider has rolled out Cogo’s electrification solution – that helps households discover how switching to electric can:
Save up to $3,000 per year in energy costs
Reduce their carbon footprint
Future-proof their lifestyle with personalised recommendations
This partnership perfectly demonstrates how our members are driving change. Genesis brings their expertise as the country’s largest electricity retailer with a commitment to building new renewable generation, while Cogo contributes their global fintech innovation in carbon management.
Together, they’re making electrification decisions “simpler, faster and more accessible,” helping families take action today to prepare for tomorrow. Check out the nifty Go Electric Calculator now.
bp charge and Contact Energy
Thanks to an innovative partnership Contact Energy’s residential customers are now eligible for:
Up to 70% off bp charging during peak hours (7–9am & 4–6pm)
A complimentary monthly bp charge subscription, unlocking 10% discounts anytime
Access to 200+ fast bp charge points across Aotearoa
With EECA research showing a 55% rise in public charging demand, bp charge is tackling the barriers that matter most: convenience, cost, and accessibility.
Antoine Denis, General Manager of bp charge, says this is the first subscription offer of its kind: “We want to keep Kiwi drivers moving by supporting those who have already made the switch to electric, while making EVs a more attractive choice for tomorrow.” Find out more here.
Together, we’re building a more sustainable, smarter transport system for Aotearoa. Let’s keep the momentum going – subscribe to our newsletter below.
Lectron’s DC fast charging adapters for the North American Charging Standard (NACS or SAE J3400) and Combined Charging System (CCS) have successfully passed UL 2252 testing. Both adapters were tested and certified by SGS, a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). This certification confirms that both adapters meet rigorous benchmarks for electrical safety, thermal performance and mechanical durability.
The Lectron Vortex Plus is an NACS-to-CCS adapter that enables non-Tesla EVs to fast charge at Tesla Supercharger locations in the US. The Lectron CCS-to-NACS adapter performs the trick in reverse, enabling Tesla and other NACS-equipped vehicles to connect to any CCS fast charger.
“UL 2252 certification confirms what our customers expect from Lectron: safe, reliable and future-ready technology,” said Christopher Maiwald, CEO of Lectron. “These adapters demonstrate our commitment to performance and quality across all charging standards.”
Tesla’s opening up of its Supercharger network to EVs from other brands was a huge step forward for the EV industry, and Lectron’s adapters make it work. Your correspondent recently tested the Lectron Vortex Plus at two Superchargers in Florida, and can report that the whole process worked flawlessly.
Join this webinar at our September Virtual Conference, presented by montratec, to learn how advanced conveyance and handling systems solve key challenges in cleanroom and dry-room battery production. We’ll cover strategies for maintaining ultra-low dew points, minimizing scrap, and maximizing uptime—while enabling scalable, ESD-safe, and cost-effective solutions for the EV industry.
Broadcast live from September 15 to 18, 2025, the conference content will encompass the entire EV engineering supply chain and ecosystem, including motor and power electronics design and manufacturing, cell development, battery systems, testing, powertrains, thermal management, circuit protection, wire and cable, EMI/EMC and more.
Tesla has officially introduced a new version of the Model Y, and it’s aimed squarely at families who want more room without jumping to the more expensive Model X.
Dubbed the Model Y L, this long-wheelbase version of the popular electric SUV quietly surfaced through regulatory filings in China and was later confirmed in reporting by The Verge.
What’s Different About the Model Y L?
The biggest change is the size. The Model Y L adds around 150mm to the wheelbase, making it about 3,040mm long. It has more legroom, more comfort, and more flexibility for passengers in all three rows.
Inside, the car seats six people in a 2-2-2 layout. That likely means second-row captain’s chairs and easier access to the third row, a key upgrade over Tesla’s tight 7-seater layout in the standard Model Y.
Quick Specs
TPower: Up to 456 hp (340 kWhree-row seating: 6 seats total
Extended wheelbase: ~150mm longer
Total length: 4,976mm
All-Wheel Drive: Dual-motor setup
Batteries: NMC cells from LG
Launch Plans
For now, this new model is exclusive to the Chinese market, where Tesla is battling stiff competition from homegrown EV makers like BYD, Li Auto, and Nio.
The Model Y L is expected to launch in autumn 2025, with pricing estimated between ¥300,000–¥400,000 RMB (around $42,000–$56,000 USD), making it a strong value play for larger households looking to go electric.
There’s no official word yet on whether it will come to North America or Europe, but if demand proves strong, a global release could follow.
Why It Matters
This is the kind of update Tesla fans and families have been waiting for:
More room without jumping to a Model X
A layout that finally treats the third row as usable
Competitive pricing against rivals like the BYD Tang or Li Auto L8
Tesla hasn’t issued a formal press release, but the company’s usual move is to stay quiet until deliveries begin. For now, the Model Y L appears to be the most practical Tesla yet for growing families.
Taiwanese electronics system integrator SINBON Electronics has secured a UL safety certification for its liquid cooling system for EV charging stations.
The system allows the company to deploy chargers with up to 1 MW of power, helping EV infrastructure companies meet their goals of safely delivering higher power and faster charging. SINBON supports all major charging standards, including NACS, CCS1, CCS2 and MCS.
By enabling higher power delivery, a liquid cooling system reduces EV charging times, minimizes heat buildup in cables to limit energy loss, allows for thinner, more manageable cables, and maintains thermal stability.
Unlike traditional integrated designs, SINBON’s split design enhances flexibility and maintenance. Its system operates reliably in harsh conditions, including temperatures as low as -40° C, making it well suited to rugged EV deployments. It is compatible with water-based and oil-based coolants.
“As extreme fast charging becomes the future of the EV industry, advanced liquid cooling systems like SINBON’s are reducing charging times, improving energy efficiency, ensuring longevity of charging equipment,” commented Hanson Zhou, R&D Manager at SINBON. “This milestone demonstrates how SINBON’s technological innovation and commitment to excellence continue to expand possibilities for the EV industry.”
The EV industry may be stunned by the removal of zero-emissions targets by the Trump administration, but what does it really mean for an alternative fuel future, and is there […]
Parker Hannifin announced an agreement to acquire Curtis Instruments from Rehlko for approximately $1 billion in cash. Curtis Instruments designs and manufactures power electronics, instrumentation and input devices for a range of commercial vehicles. The transaction is expected to close by the end of calendar year 2025. Curtis expects 2025 calendar year annual sales of roughly $320 million.
According to Parker Hannifin Chairman and CEO Jenny Parmentier, “Curtis adds complementary technologies to our existing industrial electrification platform, better positioning us to serve our customers as they continue the adoption of more electric and hybrid solutions.” Parmentier also emphasized that the acquisition aligns with long-term industry trends toward electrification and expects to achieve substantial operational synergies by integrating Curtis’s products into Parker’s offerings.
The acquisition targets applications in electric and hybrid vehicles, particularly within in-plant material handling and off-highway environments, where electrification and precision motion controls are becoming increasingly critical.
“Rehlko is proud of the legacy and performance of Curtis as a high-performing, innovation-driven business,” said Brian Melka, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rehlko. “Parker is an exceptional company and we are confident Curtis will thrive from Parker’s increased scale, focus, and investment.”
A federal judge on Tuesday temporarily blocked the US administration from withholding funds awarded to 14 states including California, New York, Illinois and Washington under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, part of President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act.
US District Judge Tana Lin in Seattle ruled that the states were likely to succeed in a lawsuit alleging that the federal government was illegally withholding billions of dollars awarded to states under the NEVI Formula Program. Lin said in her ruling that states were harmed by the administration’s policy shift because they had dedicated their own resources to EV infrastructure in the expectation of further funding from the federal government.
In February, the US Transportation Department suspended the $5-billion NEVI Formula Program, and rescinded prior approval of states’ spending plans.
Lin’s ruling did not apply to the District of Columbia, Minnesota and Vermont, which also sued over the funding rescission but did not provide evidence that they would suffer immediate harm as a result of the Transportation Department decision.
The states said in their lawsuit that the administration’s withholding of the funds “will devastate the ability of states to build the charging infrastructure necessary for making EVs accessible to more consumers.”
“The administration cannot dismiss programs illegally, like the bipartisan Electric Vehicle Infrastructure formula program, just so that the president’s Big Oil friends can continue basking in record-breaking profits,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
The latest ruling is unlikely to prove more than a temporary setback to the government’s anti-EV crusade. Lin’s ruling will take effect in seven days, giving the administration time to file an appeal and ask an appellate court to block her ruling from taking effect.
In the rapidly evolving automotive landscape, electrification is reshaping the industry, driving companies like ENNOVI to innovate specialized solutions. Charged recently chatted with ENNOVI’s team—CEO Stefan Rustler, Managing Director Michael Meckl and Product Manager Till Wagner—to learn more about its approach to automotive interconnects.
Founded just over a year ago, yet built on a foundation of 60 years of automotive manufacturing expertise, ENNOVI emphasizes five strategic pillars: speed, innovation, talent, global outreach, and sustainability. These pillars position the company as a significant player in electric vehicle technologies, particularly within battery interconnect, power solutions, and signal interconnect applications.
ENNOVI’s strength lies in its capacity to customize interconnect solutions tailored specifically to customer requirements. Early engagement and collaborative approaches ensure their global teams effectively anticipate and fulfill client needs. Through regional teams, competence centers, and extensive factory networks—comprising 14 facilities and four innovation hubs globally—ENNOVI guarantees a smooth transition from concept to production, helping clients rapidly scale solutions.
A vital component of ENNOVI’s strategy is sustainability, integral to both its operational practices and product design. Achieving five consecutive EcoVadis Platinum awards underscores ENNOVI’s long-term commitment to environmental responsibility. This commitment encompasses reducing material and electricity consumption, implementing recyclable packaging solutions, and establishing closed-loop water systems within their manufacturing processes.
Innovative battery module design remains critical to the EV industry’s evolution. ENNOVI specializes in manufacturing battery module components, such as advanced cell contacting systems. Aware of ongoing challenges such as varying cell form factors and chemistries, ENNOVI has developed adaptable manufacturing technologies, including stamping, molding, lamination, and laser welding. These solutions offer flexibility in meeting dynamic market demands and enable more efficient production processes.
One specific innovation highlighted by ENNOVI is the advancement of adhesive-free lamination technology for cell contacting systems. Traditional plastic trays, heavy and space-consuming, reduce overall battery energy density. ENNOVI’s adhesive-free lamination approach eliminates environmental impacts associated with adhesives while improving cycle times, demonstrating significant advancements in both ecological efficiency and performance optimization.
Additionally, ENNOVI is responding effectively to the increased demand for higher voltage and faster charging capabilities in EV power systems. With typical EV voltages rising from 400–500 volts up to 800–1000 volts, ENNOVI addresses these challenges by innovating more compact and cost-effective bus bar connections. Their new sealing technologies shorten production cycles, reduce costs, and expedite market entry, reinforcing ENNOVI’s role in accelerating the automotive industry’s electrification journey.
