Minister for Energy and Resources, the Hon Dr Megan Woods unveiled the latest in electric vehicle charging at PAK'nSAVE Queenstown. With a nationwide focus on reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, this high-speed charger is another link in a chain which is fast becoming the norm and is many times more extensive than in Australia.
The new electric vehicle fast charger is perfectly located for customers to top up their electric vehicles while they shop and save at PAK'nSAVE Queenstown, in Frankton.
By the end of 2018, more than 50 New World, PAK’nSAVE, and Four Square stores around the country will have electric vehicle charging stations. This is being rolled out in collaboration with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority and electric vehicle charging network provider, ChargeNet NZ, helping to ensure that New Zealanders have access to charging stations, everywhere.
PAK'nSAVE owner operator Anthony King said the supermarket retailer is committed to sustainable practices along with parent company Foodstuffs South Island.
“Promoting the uptake of clean energy transport with electric vehicles is a very important part of the puzzle. The more we can do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and our reliance on fossil fuels, the better. We’re creating a one-stop shop with an electric car fast charger conveniently located at our store, and this is just one of the initiatives we have in place to reduce our environmental footprint with waste and energy use top priorities.”
KEY FACTS
- There are nearly 8,000 electric vehicles registered in New Zealand, with numbers doubling year on year.
- A fleet of 28 New World, PAK'nSAVE, and Four Square electric delivery vans is one of the country’s largest company fleets of fully-electric cars.
- Electric vehicles can drive 100-500km per charge depending on their battery size, and older models can cost as little as $10,000 as a used import.
- Most New Zealanders will charge electric cars overnight at home.
- A network of fast chargers at supermarkets means drivers can recharge quickly near where they live, work and shop, and while on extended road trips.
- A 25-minute fast charge will generally add over 100km worth of driving range to the battery.
- The new fast charger was co-funded by the Government’s Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund, administered by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).
