New EV chargers coming for key South Island locations

New Zealand’s EV charging infrastructure is receiving a boost, with Meridian Energy’s Zero network installing new chargers along three of the South Island’s key transport routes.

Meridian received co-funding from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) to install EV chargers across three South Island sites as part of the government’s initiative to increase the number of public EV chargers across New Zealand, with a goal of 10,000 charging points by 2030.

“Electric vehicles are here, and we’re making range anxiety a thing of the past,” says Meridian chief customer officer Lisa Hannifin.

“Having more chargers available around New Zealand will help make EVs an even more attractive option for individuals, families and businesses to get out of the cities and move around the South Island safely and efficiently.”

The charging hubs are near state highways and amenities, with multiple high-powered chargers, and able to accommodate larger passenger vehicles.

The three locations where Zero is planning to install new chargers are Culverden (State Highway 7), Richmond (near State Highway 6) and Kaikoura (State Highway 1).

Each site will feature three high-capacity DC chargers, with two cables per charger, and with the potential for future expansion. Each charger can do up to 150kW per charging cable. If two cars are charging simultaneously the 150kW will be shared, depending on each vehicle’s battery state of charge.

The sites will include two mobility spaces at each location and the chargers will be at road level to provide greater accessibility for people.

“This funding injection will help expand New Zealand’s EV charging infrastructure in a big way, making it much more convenient for people to travel throughout the country,” says Hannifin.

“People can travel confidently, knowing that there’ll always be an easily accessible charging station a little further up the road.”

Meridian developed its Zero network to support sustainable transportation.

Click here for more information about Zero.