Meridian to install two fast chargers in Springs Junction

Road trips in the South Island are about to become more accessible for EVs. Work is underway to install a charging station at Springs Junction, a key route between Christchurch and Nelson. 

Last week, on-site work started to install two 50kW DC fast chargers at Springs Junction, west of Lewis Pass. 

Meridian expects to have the site complete and ready to go by Christmas.  

“It’s been a challenging project that’s required some out-of-the-box thinking, but we’re within sight of removing this charging black and making travel easier for EV drivers,” says Meridian’s head of energy innovation, Tim Calder. 

“Having multiple fast charging options on key driving routes is crucial to support electric driving, and these chargers will give EV drivers much more certainty when travelling around the upper South Island.” 

The remote location of Springs Junction means that the local lines network can only supply a limited amount of electricity to the chargers. 

Meridian’s ZERO brand chargers will be supported by three 120 kWh BESS (battery energy storage system) units using recycled Nissan Leaf batteries. The BESS units will only charge overnight between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m., when pressure on the line networks is at its lowest, and then release power through the chargers when needed.  

The BESS units will initially store enough power for around 15 charging sessions, averaging 22kWh daily. Charging speeds may vary depending on demand and time of day. 

“This is a long way from a normal EV charging set-up, but it’s a great example of Kiwi ingenuity and doing what’s needed to get the job done for our customers,” says Calder.  

“This is a new location, so we’ll be keeping a close eye on demand and whether we need to make any changes to ensure these chargers meet the needs of as many EV drivers as possible.” 

In 2022, Meridian was awarded co-funding from the Low Emissions Transport Fund (LETF) to fill critical, challenging sites at Kohatu, Haast, Harihari, Springs Junction and St Arnaud in the South Island. 

With the Kohatu project completed and the Springs Junction project under construction, the remaining sites are still under development. This is due to limited electricity supply via the local grid and ongoing negotiations with site owners.  

Updates for the remaining sites will be provided once the installation dates are confirmed.