A network of charging stations is underway in the Kapiti and Horowhenua regions. The first six electric vehicle fast-charging stations opened at PAK'nSAVE at Coastlands Mall earlier this week. The project will also see five further locations open in the coming months at Paekākāriki, Raumati Beach, Waikanae Beach, Foxton, and Shannon.
The expansion of chargers is the result of a partnership between a large number of players including Foodstuffs and EV charging station operator ChargeNet NZ as well as local electricity distribution company Electra, Kāpiti Coast District Council, Horowhenua District Council, and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), which provided funding support through the Low Emissions Vehicle Contestable Fund.
“The whole project is a great example of how a collaborative approach can achieve significant progress, and we are delighted to be working closely with Electra, Foodstuffs and both the Kāpiti Coast District Council and Horowhenua District Council,” said ChargeNet NZ CEO Steve West.
Both councils involved worked with ChargeNet NZ, Electra and Community Boards to determine suitable locations for the chargers, which benefit local businesses, drivers and the wider community.
Kāpiti Coast District Mayor K Gurunathan noted that having a network of nearby electric charging stations was crucial to give confidence and awareness to local fleets and families to switch their cars to clean, green, New Zealand electricity. “The chargers are also great news for local businesses who should see more custom due to EV drivers.”
It takes an EV driver's between 10 and 30 minutes to recharge their vehicle at a 50kW DC fast charger, but most EV owners routinely plug in and recharge their cars overnight at home. The number of electric vehicles in New Zealand is increasing rapidly, with over 10,000 currently registered.
