South Canterbury EV chargers open

Mackenzie Country EV travellers can now use Omarama’s four new charging bays.

Two new chargers will encourage visitors to enjoy local cafes and businesses while giving their EVs a quick charge on the fast chargers, says Network Waitaki chief executive Dylan Andrews.

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) recently announced recipients of its latest co-funding round, aimed at supporting EV charging infrastructure growth.

Network Waitaki received funding for two new charging units on this key travel route, where State Highway 8 and State Highway 83 meet in Omarama.

As more New Zealanders seek to decarbonise their homes, vehicles, businesses and light vehicle fleets, Network Waitaki says it is anticipating the increased demand for electricity and charging opportunities and is focused on enabling the energy transition for customers.   

The two new EV charging units complement the original 2017 charger and increase capacity from 50kW to 410kW.

A key feature is dynamic synchronised charging, offering all 180kW to a single car or sharing with a second EV.

As well as being more efficient the EV chargers are also more reliable, says Network Waitaki, adding the chargers incorporate artwork from Oamaru-based artist Wicksey highlighting different seasons in Omarama.

“Charger hubs like these are essential to giving people the confidence that an EV will work for them every day and on longer trips,” says EECA delivery and partnerships general manager Richard Briggs.

“Placing more high speed chargers on popular journey routes means drivers can plan their trips without worrying about queueing, or not being able to charge at all.” 

Omarama is at the foot of the Lindis Pass, so is ideal for ensuring EVs are fully charged before the crossing, with the Christchurch-Queenstown route handy too.

Network Waitaki’s two new charging units add to EV chargers in Oamaru’s Tyne Street and Eden Street, the latter soon upgraded to allow up to five EVs, while chargers are also in Hampden and Kurow.