Charge ‘n shop at The Warehouse

This story first appeared in the february issue of Evtalk – CLICK HERE to download the magazine FREE

Consumers are becoming more eco-conscious both in terms of limiting their carbon footprint and in their interest in companies with a sustainable ethos.

Retail giant The Warehouse Group is committed to operating in a sustainable manner, with the aim to help its customers live their lives the same way.

The company’s most recent commitment has been in energy management with the aim to minimise the amount of energy used across its operations, from the electricity used in stores to the vehicles the company drives.

As part of this initiative, The Warehouse Group has worked with global energy management company, Schneider Electric, to install EV charging stations at 24 of its store locations across the country.

This isn’t the first time the company has been in touch with the EV charging stations.

The Warehouse first identified the growth potential of the EV market in New Zealand two years ago, installing two charging stations at its Auckland head office.

The trial was so successful the business subsequently committed to offering EV chargers at 24 of its stores across the nation.

The Warehouse Group’s former environmental initiatives head Greg Nelson says the company has a commitment to sustainability across the business.
He says the business saw the chargers as an opportunity to encourage shoppers to consider an EV.

“We knew the potential of EVs, but we didn’t know how many of our customers would actually adopt them.
The convenience and accessibility of the chargers being located at a place consumers’ visit often, means having an EV isn’t a hindrance.”

Schneider Electric power solutions offer manager Adrian Duque agrees, meeting consumer demand in this space is a key way to ensuring positive impacts on the environment for years to come.

“The uptake in electric vehicles throughout New Zealand is continuing to rise, so there’s no better time for businesses to add to their value offer and provide Kiwis with the necessary technology to meet the continued uptake.”

After assessing the various options available for The Warehouse Group, the company’s energy efficiency engineer recommended the Schneider Electric EVlink Parking product.

With Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) funding towards 20 chargers, The Warehouse Group began rolling out the Schneider Electric EVlink Parking charging stations, which feature two Type 2 charging sockets, providing 22.
1kW of power.

The locations of each charging station were a key part of the overall strategy.Nelson says they chose to install the chargers in stores based on levels of foot traffic, but also selected stores outside main centres where no chargers were in place at the time.These locations included Invercargill, Gore, Oamaru, New Plymouth and Tauranga.

Nelson says he is exceptionally pleased with the uptake and response from customers.

“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive – we’re really surprised by the consumer readiness to adopt electric vehicles across the country.
It’s always fantastic to see ways which we can help our customers make more sustainable, environmentally friendly decisions come to life.”

Duque says this is a fantastic example of a company leading the charge to a better future and environment for generations to come.

“We’re really proud to have worked with The Warehouse Group in providing its customers the technology in a convenient location to make their lives easier.

“The company is a great example of leading the way in meeting the needs of electric vehicle drivers, and I anticipate this will only continue to increase across other industries as the growth and interest in electric vehicles continues.”

Schneider Electric EVlink Parking chargers are at The Warehouse stores in Bell Block (New Plymouth), Blenheim, Cambridge, Dunedin, Gisborne, Gore, Hastings, Hawera, Invercargill, Masterton, Motueka, Napier, Oamaru, Petone, Rangiora, Rolleston, Royal Oak (Auckland), Snells Beach (north Auckland), Taupo, Tauranga, Te Awamutu, Te Kuiti, Timaru and Whangarei.