EV charging stations coming to Queenstown

Electric vehicles can soon charge up in central Queenstown.

The Queenstown Lakes District Council has approved a licence to occupy a space in the Athol Street car park for Queenstown’s first EV fast charging station.

Initially, one fast charging station will be installed with two car parking stalls marked for EV charging. It will also provide for a second station and up to six charging stalls, allowing for future expansion.

This technology is being installed by ChargeNet which is working with BMW and the Government to help roll out electric charging facilities across the South Island.

Council project manager Rob Darby believes Queenstown is a logical place to expand charging facilities.

“ChargeNet sees the Queenstown CBD as a strategically important part of a national network, and as a future-focussed council we are more than happy to work with them to find a suitable location in the CBD.”

Fast charging stations charge an EV in 20 to 40 minutes. That means drivers can park in town, have a coffee or get their shopping done and be on their way with a fully charged battery, Darby says. “This comes hot on the heels of the approval of a Wanaka charging site, which is expected to be up and running before Christmas.”

Currently, the only charging options in the district is a slow charge using a domestic 240-volt supply, which takes four to ten hours.
Fast charging stations in central Wanaka and the Queenstown CBD will reduce range anxiety for EV owners district wide, Darby says. It will also attract visitors who own or have hired an EV.