ChargeNet plans Kaikoura six-point charging hub

ChargeNet plans to build a EV charging hub in Kaikoura, a critical piece of infrastructure for EV-charging on the South Island’s SH1.

Construction is expected to start in September this year.

Designed to meet the growing demand for EV charging, and with an installed capacity of 450kW, the charging hub will be able to charge up to six vehicles at once.

It will include a charging bay with an accessible layout, and a bay suitable for campervans and vehicles with trailers, says ChargeNet.

The site is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, and will see the installation of three 150kW chargers, which can simultaneously add 300km range within 45 minutes – enough to power most EV journeys to Christchurch, Nelson, or beyond.

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

“Kaikōura is a key transit hub, as well as a significant tourist attraction for local and international travellers,” says ChargeNet chief operating officer Martin Miles.

 The data already tells us that charging speed matters and 39% of our customers prioritise high power output when selecting public charging.

“The new charging hub will be ideally positioned to support charging demand and meet our customers’ needs, providing fast and convenient charging for drivers on the go,” he says, adding it’s part of ChargeNet’s plan to double its network to 600 charging points.

ChargeNet has added 52 additional charging points to its network already this year, including the installation of two 300kW hyper-rapid chargers at Raeward Fresh Harewood near Christchurch Airport in March.

High powered charging is also available in Blenheim and Nelson.

The project is co-funded by the Low Emission Transport Fund (LETF), administered by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EEA), receiving $560,000 investment.

ChargeNet has also started construction on its largest charging hub – a 10-point charger at Tauriko Crossing in Tauranga, which it expects to be operational within the next 10 weeks.

Miles says ChargeNet is preparing to rapidly increase its network development, with a coming announcement to highlight a significant tranche of new charging locations planned for construction within the next six months.

Click here for more ChargeNet information.