Toyota names Evnex as official EV charging partner

Toyota New Zealand has partnered with Christchurch-based EV charger manufacturer Evnex as its official supplier of home charging solutions, supporting the expansion of its growing battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle range.

The partnership follows a review of the EV charging market and comes as Toyota more than doubles its electrified vehicle lineup this year with the introduction of the Hilux BEV, RAV4 PHEV, bZ4X Touring and second-generation bZ4X.

Toyota New Zealand chief executive Tatsuya Ishikawa says the partnership is aimed at making electric vehicle ownership easier for both private and fleet customers.

“Electrification isn’t just about building great vehicles. It’s about making ownership simple, practical and confidence-inspiring. As we expand our electrified vehicle lineup, we’re equally focused on the ecosystem that supports our customers long after they drive away.”

Ishikawa says Evnex stood out because of its nationwide installation network, local manufacturing capability and long-term technology roadmap.

“When looking closely at Evnex, a local company based in Christchurch, we saw a strong alignment with our customer-first approach.

“Evnex ticks a lot of boxes for us as they have a nationwide installation network, which matches our nationwide store coverage, local manufacturing, proven customer experience, sustainability credentials and, most importantly, a future technology roadmap.”

Toyota says while New Zealand’s public charging network continues to expand, most battery electric and plug-in hybrid owners charge their vehicles at home or at work. The company says Evnex chargers are suitable for most single and three-phase homes and workplaces without requiring switchboard or meter upgrades.

“A key practical challenge for many customers and organisations considering battery electric vehicles is access to reliable charging infrastructure. We know that partnering with Evnex will give our customers a solution backed by reliable installation, excellent service and long-term support,” Ishikawa says.

Founded in 2013, Evnex has grown to become Australasia’s largest manufacturer of home EV chargers, with more than 16,000 chargers installed across New Zealand and Australia.

Founder and chief executive Ed Harvey says the partnership is a natural fit.

“We’re on a mission to make clean and affordable energy effortless for every home.

“We’re extremely excited to be working with Toyota New Zealand to grow that number as they continue their electrified journey.”

Harvey says local manufacturing and customer support were key advantages.

“Delivering outstanding service is one of our core values at Evnex. That’s something Toyota excels at too, and we’re looking forward to working together to drive the future of smart EV charging.”

The partnership will support both private customers and fleet operators, with the first joint initiative being Toyota’s Hilux BEV Driver Series.

Running from August to November, the programme will place the battery-electric Hilux with up to 15 fleet decision-makers across New Zealand, allowing them to evaluate the vehicle in real-world commercial operations.

Toyota says the programme is intended to demonstrate how battery-electric vehicles and charging solutions can work together in fleet applications.

The Hilux BEV has been developed for specific commercial and fleet uses where operating patterns are suited to battery-electric technology. Toyota says it is not positioning the vehicle as a direct replacement for diesel-powered Hilux models across all applications, instead continuing its multi-pathway strategy of offering hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery-electric and other lower-emission technologies.

As part of the partnership, Toyota customers will receive an enhanced five-year warranty on Evnex chargers, extending the company’s standard four-year product warranty.