Free EV charging at five Countdown Waikato stores

Fifteen electric vehicle charging stations have been opened over five Countdown Waikato supermarkets – three at each.

In a first for the retailer, EVs can charge up for free at either Countdown Hamilton, Countdown Bridge Street, Countdown Claudelands, Countdown St James and Countdown Huntly under the partnership with WEL Networks.

Compatible with any EV, the charging stations include fast chargers which can top up an EV from low to 80% battery capacity in around 20 minutes.

Talks are underway to extend charging facilities to other communities across Countdown’s network.

“We already have electric charging stations at our support office and have recently won a $300,000 grant from the Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority to convert our chilled online delivery vehicles to electric,” Countdown corporate affairs and sustainability general manager Kiri Hannifin says.

“Electric delivery vehicles will help cut down noise around the online delivery depots and eliminate about 135,000kg of carbon dioxide emissions annually.”

Hannifin says the November 19 Waikato launch is another step in the right direction towards Countdown meeting its commitment to help create a cleaner and greener New Zealand and meet some of its corporate social responsibility targets by 2020.

WEL Networks asset management general manager Paul Blue says the Countdown fast chargers will increase WEL’s charging network across the region to more than 20.

“Not only is the Waikato one of New Zealand’s fastest growing regions, but increasingly we’re seeing the uptake of electric vehicles in our communities because users find them cheaper to run, quieter, more efficient and environmentally friendly.

“By investing in technology and assets now, and working in partnership with organisations like Countdown, we’ll be able to meet the increasing demand for EVs.”