EV maker confirms NZ plans

Chinese EV marque Xpeng has announced it will be opening a showroom in Auckland before the end of the year and its G6 will be the first model available to consumers here.
The company, which was founded in 2014, plans to expand to sites in Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington and Christchurch in 2026.
Damian Royce, Xpeng New Zealand’s head of marketing, says: New Zealand is a natural launchpad for XPeng’s operation, given its market’s strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and premium driving experiences.
“These are values that align perfectly with our DNA. We are confident we can deliver world-class service and accelerate EV adoption across the country.”
New Zealand specifications for the G6, a medium-sized SUV, haven’t been revealed but in Australia the rear-wheel drive car comes with either a 66kWh or 87.5kWh battery.
Xpeng has been operating across the ditch for about a year and its push into New Zealand comes as it aims to have a presence in 60 countries and regions by the end of 2025.