New Zealand's EV charging infrastructure is receiving a boost, with Meridian Energy’s Zero network installing new chargers along three of the South Island’s key transport routes.
Meridian received co-funding from EECA (the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) to install EV chargers across three South Island locations. It’s part of the government’s initiative to increase the number of public EV chargers across New Zealand, with a goal of 10,000 charging points by 2030.
“Electric vehicles are here, and we’re making range anxiety a thing of the past,” says Meridian Chief Customer Officer Lisa Hannifin.
“Having more chargers available around New Zealand will help make EVs an even more attractive option for individuals, families and businesses to get out of the cities and move around the South Island safely and efficiently.”
The charging hubs are strategically located near state highways and amenities, with multiple high-powered chargers, and able to accommodate larger passenger vehicles.
The three locations where Zero is planning to install new chargers are:
- Culverden (State Highway 7)
- Richmond (near State Highway 6)
- Kaikōura (State Highway 1)
Each site will feature three high-capacity DC chargers, with two cables per charger, and with the potential for future expansion. Each charger can do up to 150 kW per charging cable. If two cars are charging simultaneously the 150 kW will be shared, depending on each vehicle's battery state of charge.
The sites will include two mobility spaces at each location and the chargers will be at road level to provide greater accessibility for people.
“This funding injection will help expand New Zealand's EV charging infrastructure in a big way, making it much more convenient for people to travel throughout the country,” says Lisa Hannifin.
“People can travel confidently, knowing that there’ll always be an easily accessible charging station a little further up the road.”
Meridian has developed its Zero network to support sustainable transportation and is excited to be a part of this important initiative.
The installation of new chargers will improve the accessibility and reliability of EV charging infrastructure, encouraging more New Zealanders to make the switch to electric.
For more information about Zero, visit zerocharging.co.nz
