Taumarunui EV fast charger opened

An EV fast charger has been opened on Hakiaha St in Taumarunui’s centre.

It was installed by The Lines Company (TLC) with funding from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) and opened by Ruapehu District mayor Weston Kirton.

Weston says the new fast charger is part of a journey that is seeing fast EV charging technology installed across Ruapehu and New Zealand.

“It helps reduce New Zealand’s carbon footprint through prioritising renewable energy, so we’re very happy to see TLC taking this opportunity to increase the local EV charger network,” he says.

TLC chief executive Mike Fox, who also helped open the fast charger, says EV charging stations are an important part of the future for TLC and enable decarbonisation of New Zealand’s transport network.

“Projects such as this deliver community and economic wellbeing and are a real focus on the future,” he says.

“The community benefits from better health outcomes, more sustainability and greater economic opportunities.”

The new charger operates at twice the speed of the prior largest chargers (75kW) within the TLC network, delivering 150kW of power to EVs, says TLC.

“The new charging point will reduce the time it will take drivers to power an average EV by 50%.

“Not only fast, but the station is also smart and efficient, containing advanced charge and load management technology,” TLC explains.

“This tech allows the charger to manage energy use wisely, helping to balance demand on the network whilst ensuring the electricity needs of the Taumarunui are met.”

The new Taumarunui charger means there are now seven fast chargers across the TLC network, allowing drivers to fully charge their vehicles within 15-30 minutes.

It brings the total number of EV charging units on the TLC network to 48, with the furthest distance between EV chargers now 70km.

TLC future energy general manager Kyle Barnes says 17 of TLC’s own vehicles are now hybrid or electric.