PowerNet sees future in EVs

Electric vehicles could be seen more often in Southland.

Invercargill company PowerNet has identified emerging technology as one of four main focuses in its 2017 annual report, The Southland Times reports.

More work’s to be done over the coming years to make new technologies like electric vehicles (EVs) more accessible, PowerNet chief executive Jason Franklin says.

PowerNet has seven electric/hybrid vehicles in its fleet and will be working with 10 businesses to help establish EV fleets. Franklin says a charge point will be installed at each.

Other projects include setting up more fast charge stations. Range anxiety is a concern for many EV drivers. “If you want to go from Invercargill to Queenstown for the day, you want to know if you have enough charge to get back, or if are there charging facilities on the way,” Franklin says.

Invercargill and Balclutha have charging stations, with another soon to be installed in Gore.
Franklin says of all the new technologies PowerNet investigated, EVs looked the most cost effective. “There’s a real opportunity for us to facilitate the adoption of that technology. Right now, EVs are economic as an urban car – they can do 120km to 200km a day.”

Others being investigated include home batteries and PV solar panels, with Franklin saying it’s interesting when emerging technologies work together.