Z Energy accelerates EV charger roll out

Z Energy plans to have EV chargers available at 20% of its New Zealand service stations by the end of this year.

“Charging an EV should be as simple as filling your car up with petrol,” says Z EV charging head Kieran Turner.

“This roll-out is our commitment to EV drivers. It’s us saying, ‘We want to make the charging experience as good as possible’.

‘We’ve always said we’ll support customers in how they move around Aotearoa, and this is part of that.”

With EV chargers planned for nearly 40 different sites, Z aims to not only make the experience a pleasant one – with large bays into which drivers can more easily charge their EVs – but also to reduce anxiety for EV drivers.

Turner says range anxiety remains one of the barriers to EV ownership – the fear of running out of charge on a long drive and being unable to find a charging point.

“If you have an EV, a lot of planning goes into journeys at the moment. Drivers are having to spend a lot of time before they set off looking up where charging locations are and planning where they’ll stop,” says Turner. 

Z intends to have sites all around the country where EV drivers can charge.

“We want it to be as easy to find a charger as it is to find a petrol station.”

Turner says EV drivers have access to all service station offerings while their EV is charging and that charging sites will be easy to spot and simple to use.

“Great coffee, toilets, quality food options – not to mention being able to charge in an area that is well-lit and safe at night.

“We’re also working towards installing canopies and shelter in the future, so that people stay dry while they’re charging their EV.”

As demand for EV charging grows, Z aims to meet this – with its highest-use service stations likely to have three or four charging bays to ensure queuing is minimal. 

Chargers will be installed in urban areas for drivers unable to charge at home or for those who need an on-the-go top-up.

But the big focus is on creating and connecting key transport networks, ensuring that EV drivers can travel the length of the country with the ability to charge along the way, Turner explains.

“Z’s values around sustainability absolutely link into our EV charger plans.

“It’s a significant investment and commitment in our work to help New Zealanders transition to a low carbon future.”