Northland’s EV community charges ahead

The thriving Northland metropolis of Kaiwaka is proving its place as one of the north island’s most electric destinations – with ChargeNet’s first New Zealand fast charging station.

Kaiwaka – known for its year-round light show – is a perfect stopover for a top-up for electric vehicles, with the ChargeNet station taking pride of place at the local Four Square.

Owners Greg and Paula Jacques were inspired by the enthusiasm of ChargeNet’s CEO Steve West and mechanical whizz Nick Smith, and were impressed by the electric vehicle community.

“There’s quite a strong EV community in Whangarei,” Paula Jacques told AutoTalk this morning. “But there aren’t any places to charge them between there and Auckland.

She says that despite husband Greg being a lofty 6ft 4in, she’s now quite keen on a Nissan Leaf.

“I think there’s a bit of misconception around electric vehicles – especially with how expensive they were initially.

“But I’m quite sold on them now.”

The ChargeNet station opens this Friday with an event running from 7am until 10am.

ChargeNet’s grand plan to electrify Kiwi roads involves opening 75 charging stations throughout the country over the next three years.

“Our vision is to work with any and all New Zealand entities who have the skills and resources to contribute to the public charging network for New Zealand.” says West.

“Full portability will secure the best possible user experience, and invite competition from large and small players who know what they are doing and want to help New Zealand become a world class EV nation.”

The ChargeNet stations are activated using an RFID tag or a smartphone app and use various electric vehicle charger protocols.