Amberley charger explosion investigated

An explosion at an Amberley fast charging station 50km north of Christchurch remains under investigation with a Tritium technician currently checking the charger.

The incident happened at about 6pm on November 22, with Amberley station owner and operator ChargeNet NZ shutting three more stations (New World Nelson, Palmerston North, and Beach Road Parnell, Auckland) for testing and analysis as a precaution.

All stations were taken offline for testing as a precautionary measure with the four (including Amberley) remaining offline until the investigations are completed.

The explosion at the Amberley site damaged a plugged in EV but no-one was injured.

“There will be continued disruptions to service,” ChargeNet NZ public relations manager Dee West says, adding that the EV community has been very supportive and understanding.

She says the safety and security of customers is of paramount concern and that an investigation is underway.

“It was a freak accident and we’re doing all we can.”

A more detailed public announcement will be made on November 26.

“We are seeing this as an opportunity to check, check and re-check every aspect of operations to ensure a gold standard of service and safety for our customers and the industry,” West says.

Updates will be provided by ChargeNet NZ, mainly through Facebook and its app.

ChargeNet NZ encourages anyone with questions or concerns to contact its team.