Bulls hyper-rapid EV charger fills gap

ChargeNet has opened its first hyper-rapid EV charger in the Feilding and Rangitīkei region.

The Te Matapihi Bulls Coimmunity Centre site marks the first 300kW charger to be installed in Manawatu-Whanganui and it provides charging for up to three EVs at once and includes the 300kW charger as well as a 50kW charger.

The site is powered by 100% renewable electricity that is sourced from wind, hydro, and solar.

ChargeNet says Bulls can now add “charge-a-bull” to its punny monikers.

Bulls has hosted a 50kW charging station since October 2019, serving more than 2000 users during its lifetime, with the new site across the road and close to both State Highway 1 and State Highway 3.

Supported by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), the new site is part of ChargeNet’s continued infrastructure growth plans across New Zealand.

The new EV charging site is one of the first 10 ChargeNet hyper-rapid charging sites and joins ChargeNet’s already established network of hyper-rapid sites in Kaiwaka in Northland, Bombay south of Auckland, Taupo, and Rotorua, as well as an additional 260 rapid DC charge points across the country.

ChargeNet chief executive Danusia Wypych says the world-class technology has been installed with the Rangitikei District Council’s support, demonstrating the region’s commitment to low-carbon transport and the demand for charging infrastructure.

In the first 24 hours of operation, the new 300kW unit delivered at least 250% more power than its smaller 50kW cousin had delivered the previous day.

The charging site links the region to the growing network across the central North Island and is a critical site for travellers along State Highway 1 and reduces charging times, allowing more drivers to charge and get back on the road sooner, says Wypych.

“In December 2022, we saw a 107% year-on-year increase in charging sessions in Manawatu-Whanganui region. The demand is there, both locally and for travellers passing through – we are making sure the right infrastructure is available to them.”

In May 2022, the Whanganui-Manawatu region had about 850 EVs registered, and Wypych expects that to go up.

The rapid charging station was jointly funded by ChargeNet and EECA, with funding from Round 8 of the government’s Low Emission Transport Fund (LETF), administered by EECA.

EECA group manager transport Richard Briggs says he’s happy to see a 300kW charger installed in such a high-traffic area.

“We’re focused on continuing to grow the public EV charging network to keep pace with the growing number of EVs on the roads,” he explains.

“  hope this charger won’t just benefit EV drivers, but also the local community as drivers stop to recharge, and spend money, rather than passing right through.”

ChargeNet is working with Rangitikei District Council to ensure the charging site appropriately reflects the Rangitikei region.

The site features artwork by local artist Delwyn Hakaria of Ngāti Parewahawaha and Ngāti Kauwhata lineage.

Rangitikei mayor Andy Watson says the Rangitikei District Council, together with retailers in Bulls welcome ChargeNet’s decision to place hyper-rapid charging facilities at the new Te Matapihi Centre.

“Bulls was always going to be the logical place for EV charging, being two hours north of Wellington and two hours south of Taupo.”