Evnex and Z partner on EV charging

Z Energy (Z) and smart charging manufacturer Evnex are partnering to rollout more than a thousand smart EV chargers to homes and small businesses.

Evnex’s smart chargers designed and manufactured in Christchurch will be available through a special offer to Z customers later this year.

Z owns electricity retailer Flick Electric, while Evnex has more than 2500 smart chargers across the country.

“This partnership reflects that there is a new generation of fuel powering our cars,” says Z strategy and low carbon general manager Nic Williams.

“Z is serious about supporting electrification of transport both in customers’ homes and across its service station network as we look for opportunities to lead the development of a low carbon economy,” he explains.

“With 17% of New Zealand’s emissions coming from transport, changing the way we travel and the fuel we use is the key to the rapid decarbonisation that must occur if we are to seriously address climate change.”

The Motor Industry Association’s latest figures show sales of vehicles with some form of electrification in 2022 almost doubled compared to 2021, rising from 23,173 to 41,103 registrations last year.

“EV sales are accelerating across New Zealand, and the charging infrastructure needs to support it,” says Williams.

“While Z is already targeting EV fast chargers on 40% of our retail sites by 2025, most charging will be done at home, and customers are eager for an efficient, sustainable, cost-effective solution.”

Evnex founder and chief executive Ed Harvey says the new partnership with Z reflects a changing energy landscape.

“The next two years will be a turning point for EVs in New Zealand,” he says.

“Last year, the pure EV market share grew from around 4% to 10%.

“With more models available and advancements in technology and manufacturing steadily reducing cost, we expect that trend to accelerate exponentially.”

Harvey says Evnex has worked with Z during the past few years.

“Collectively our organisations believe the pathway forward is clear, and Evnex is excited about working with Z to deliver customers a world-class charging experience and innovative ways to reduce the cost and carbon impact of their charging.”