Countdown has launched three new charging stations at five of the chains Waikato supermarkets. The new installations come in partnership with WEL Networks. Customers will be able to charge their electric vehicles for free at any of the Countdown Hamilton, Countdown Bridge Street, Countdown Claudelands, Countdown St James and Countdown Huntly stores.
Countdown’s General Manager Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Kiri Hannifin, said today's launch was another step in the right direction towards the business meeting its commitment to help create a cleaner and greener Aotearoa, New Zealand.
“Last year we set ourselves 20 corporate social responsibility targets out to 2020. Our targets align with the 2015 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and focus on three main areas - people, planet and prosperity. With regard our commitments to the planet, we’ve identified we want to reduce our carbon emissions and know electric vehicles are the way of the future. We are delighted to take our first steps in this part of our journey.”
“As well as our new charging stations in Hamilton, we are in discussions to extend these into other communities across our network. We already have electric charging stations at our Support Office and have recently won a $300,000 grant from EECA (Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority) to convert our chilled online delivery vehicles to electric.” This initiative from Countdown will not only decrease noise around the online delivery depot but will also eliminate 135,000kg of CO2 emissions annually.
The charging stations are compatible with any electric vehicle and quick to use, with customers able to charge their EVs from low to 80 percent battery capacity in 20 minutes.
The addition of the new charging stations will increase WEL’s network of charges across the country to over 20.
“Not only is the Waikato one of New Zealand’s fastest growing regions, but increasingly we’re seeing the uptake of electric vehicles in our communities because users find them cheaper to run, quieter, more efficient and environmentally friendly. By investing in technology and assets now, and working in partnership with organisations like Countdown, we’ll be able to meet the increasing demand for EVs,” explained Paul Blue, WEL Networks asset management general manager.
