New EV charger hits Westport

An electric vehicle fast charger was ceremonially opened at New World Westport by Buller district mayor Garry Howard today.

ChargeNet NZ, Foodstuffs, EECA and Buller Line collaborated on this charger, which is the same as those installed at Four Square Karamea and New World Hokitika. Several long-range EVs touring the country on the Leading the Charge road trip also attended the ceremony.

EVs are beneficial to the environment and some can drive over 400km per charge. It takes on average 10 to 30 minutes to charge an EV.

New World Westport owner and operator Chris Acklin says Foodstuffs is committed to sustainable practices and promoting the uptake of clean energy transport.

“We’re helping to promote the future of transport in a high-profile Westport location, and giving electric vehicle owners a convenient place to recharge,” says Acklin.

Howard is excited by the development. “I’m thrilled Chris and his team at New World Westport are taking the initiative to enable West Coast locals and tourists to transition to environmentally friendly vehicles, and I was impressed by the electric vehicles visiting Westport today.”

There are only about 10 electric cars registered in the West Coast, despite about 13,000 electrical vehicles registered in the country. Charging stations are increasingly becoming available. Now there’s over 130 operating fast-charging stations with over 50 locations at New World, Pak’nSave and Four Square stores.

ChargeNet New Zealand chief executive officer Steve West is delighted to collaborate with New World Westport.

“This charger forms another essential building block in the ChargeNet network, opening up more of our beautiful country to the electric revolution and helping to shape New Zealand’s sustainable transport future.”

A government study shows that electric vehicles have 60% less emissions over the course of manufacture, driving and disposal compared to a fossil-fuelled vehicle.