Charging an electric vehicle (EV) is about to get much easier thanks to Z Energy (Z) expanding its on-the-go charging network. By the end of this year, Z plans to have EV chargers available at 20 percent of its service stations across Aotearoa, making journeys smoother for EV drivers no matter where they’re headed.
“Charging an EV should be as simple as filling your car up with petrol,” said Z’s head of EV charging, Kieran Turner.
“This roll-out is our commitment to EV drivers. It’s us saying, ‘We want to make the charging experience as good as possible’. We’ve always said we’ll support customers in how they move around Aotearoa, and this is part of that. We’re in it for the long haul.”
With EV chargers planned for nearly 40 different sites, Z aims to make the experience pleasant, with large bays into which drivers can more easily charge their EVs, and it aims to reduce anxiety for EV drivers. Turner said one of the barriers to EV ownership is range anxiety, the fear of running out of charge on a long drive and being unable to find a charging point.
“If you have an EV, a lot of planning goes into journeys. Drivers have to spend a lot of time looking up where charging locations are and planning where they’ll stop.”
Turner continued that Z’s goal was to take that angst away.
Z intends to have sites all around the country where you can charge. Turner added that this was about giving people confidence.
“We want it to be as easy to find a charger as it is to find a petrol station.”
And Z was also committed to improving the charging experience for EV drivers. Chargers will be easy to spot and simple to use, with drivers having access to all the usual service station experience offerings.
Turner explained that customers would know what to expect when arriving at a Z location, listing great coffee, toilets, and quality food options while being able to charge in an area that is well-lit and safe at night.
“We’re also working towards installing canopies and shelter in the future so people stay dry while charging their EV.”
As demand for EV charging grows, Z aims to meet this, with its highest-use service stations likely to have three or four charging bays to keep queuing to a minimum.
Turner stated that there were two strands to Z’s EV charger roll-out. Chargers will be installed in urban areas for drivers who cannot charge at home or need an on-the-go top-up. But there is also a big focus on creating and connecting critical transport networks, ensuring that EV drivers can travel the length of the country with the ability to charge along the way.
And Turner is optimistic that the visibility and ease of Z’s EV chargers will encourage others to transition to a low-carbon vehicle.
“Z’s values around sustainability link into our EV charger plans. It’s a significant investment and commitment in our work to help New Zealanders transition to a low-carbon future. We’re here for the long haul to help our customers as they make that transition.”
