ChargeNet providing eight new regional charging sites

ChargeNet will install or refurbish eight new EV charging sites in Hauraki, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, Wairarapa, Tasman, Marlborough, and Central Otago to support holidaying traffic and regional adoption.

The new installations are part of ChargeNet’s plans to double its network of 300 charging sites in the next three years, providing 600 DC fast charging points.

All the sites will be powered by 100% renewable, climate positive certified electricity that is sourced from wind, hydro, and solar, through ChargeNet’s energy partner Ecotricity.

The new ChargeNet sites, a mix of 75kW and 150kW chargers with charging for four vehicles at each site, will be built in Tairua, Waihi, Paeroa, and Whakatane on the east coast of the North Island, the southern Wairarapa region of the lower North Island, Blenheim and Motueka in the top of the South Island, and at Cromwell in Central Otago.

The eight new sites will add an additional 32 charging points across 16 charging stations, expected to be completed in early- to mid-2024.

Alongside the 32 charging points, ChargeNet plans to build one of New Zealand’s fastest and largest EV charging hubs at Tauriko, Tauranga.

The new charging hub will be able to charge up to 10 EVs at one time.

Stage one of the charging hub will see the installation of five 150kW chargers, which can simultaneously add 300km of range within 20 minutes –  enough to power most EV journeys to Auckland, or to Hamilton and back.

If we want more people to buy EVs, the charging stations need to be there for them,” says ChargeNet chief executive Danusia Wypych.

“We want to open up the availability of chargers where everyday EV drivers need them most, based on demand.

“Tauriko hosts about 26,000 vehicles per day on average, and our data shows that the new charging hub is perfectly positioned to support charging demand and meet our customers’ needs, providing fast and convenient charging for drivers on the go,” says Wypych.

The sites are jointly funded by ChargeNet and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) with funding from Rounds 6 and 9 of the government’s Low Emission Transport Fund (LETF).

Click here for more on ChargeNet.