Act now or risk grid overload, EV start-up warns govt

Wellington electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure start-up Thundergrid is calling on the government to make smart vehicle charging the standard in New Zealand, warning the country risks locking in unsafe infrastructure that cannot handle future demand.

The company has made a submission to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), which is currently exploring how to support smart EV charging uptake in New Zealand.

Thundergrid, which operates in New Zealand and Australia specialising in EV charging infrastructure for businesses, developers and government, has outlined five key recommendations in its submission.

Safety-first approach needed

The company recommends phasing out long-term 3-pin charging in favour of professionally installed smart Mode 3 chargers, ensuring equitable access through incentives and “right-to-charge” policies, and making automated smart charging the norm.

It also calls for open standards to avoid vendor lock-in and practical regulation with clear safety-focused labelling.

Thundergrid co-founder Jonny Parker describes private EV charging in New Zealand as underdeveloped.

“The continued use of 3-pin chargers is unsafe and unsustainable – this type of charging should only be temporary or used in an emergency; it also puts strain on the grid,” he says.

“Without taking action now, we risk locking in a network and technology that can’t handle the future of EVs.”

Renters and apartment dwellers left behind

Co-founder Jonathan Zukerman says smart charging must be accessible to all New Zealanders, not just homeowners.

“‘Private’ charging should include workplaces, hotels and apartments. Right now, renters and people in multi-unit buildings are being left behind because landlords and body corporates are hesitant to install EV charging infrastructure,” he says.

“Targeted incentives, co-funding, and EV-ready wiring in new builds could change that.”

Parker says while public charging will remain essential for long trips and drivers without access to private chargers, its role will reduce over time as more people charge at home, work and other destinations.

He believes the government should switch some of its focus and investment to the private network.

Meeting with Energy Minister

Thundergrid recently met with Energy Minister Simon Watts to discuss how New Zealand can refocus EV uptake in the current market.

“Incentivising smart charging, destination and hospitality-focused charging and completing electrification of the government fleet are all crucial in driving EV uptake, which we discussed with the Minister in detail,” Zukerman says.

“Individually, these all contribute to the goal of electrification, but together send critical signals to the broader market that the future is electric, and we call on the Minister to go further and take on board our recommendations for the benefit of our electricity sector and consumers.”

The company’s recommendations focus on automated smart charging that can shift load away from peak times without drivers having to set timers manually, reducing strain on the grid.