Electric charger study launched

The Electricity Networks Association – which represents the 29 companies responsible for electricity distribution around New Zealand – has announced plans for what could lead to a nationwide network of vehicle charge points.

The association has announced plans to study if a ‘Renewables Highway’ is possible, providing a nationwide infrastructure for charging.

Chief executive Graeme Peters says the ENA board us excited about the potential of a ‘Renewables Highway’.

In the last AutoTalk magazine transport and energy minister Simon Bridges pushed the line that NZ is ready for more electric vehicles. Download the magazine HERE

“There’s now a lot of recognition that New Zealand is ‘EV-Ready’,” says Peters. “We have an electricity supply that’s 80 percent renewable due to our abundance of hydro, geothermal and wind generation – accessing fuel that’s clean and home grown and at the equivalent of 30 cents per litre makes sense.

“New Zealand also has a high proportion of off-street parking, meaning most cars can be charged at home or at work, even from a standard three-pin plug.”

The ENA has formed a working group with other partners to undertake a scoping study to look at a co-ordinated approach to accessible public charging infrastructure. The study is expected to be completed by the end of July.

The working group comprises representatives from lines companies along with Contact Energy, Mighty River Power and Drive Electric. Peters says the group intends to also work closely with government agencies, such as the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), and seek alignment with any wider government policy development in this area.

“The ‘Renewables Highway’ would potentially see a network of charging locations at key stopping points and tourism locations along State Highway 1, expanding to regional routes over time,” Peters explains. “This backbone could then encourage further charging infrastructure by other businesses including airports, retailers, supermarkets, tourist destinations and other places where people park their vehicles.

“Though there is a relatively small number of EVs in New Zealand currently, the technology is advancing quickly and we expect demand will pick up strongly as the benefits of EVs become evident and behaviours change.”

The association says it will participation from other partners who wish to join the project, such as major tourism operators, local and regional councils, electricity generators, or others with an interest and the capability to participate in a rollout.