Counties Energy applies EV charger fees and establishes chargers at Mercer

EV drivers have a new super-fast charging option with the launch of two new Counties Energy chargers at Mercer on the Waikato Expressway.

The 180kW and 24kW options are set to be powered by a second-life battery system using discarded Nissan Leaf EV batteries.

The EV chargers are co-funded by the Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority (EECA) as part of the Government’s Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund (now the Low Emission Transport Fund), while the battery project, due to be commissioned in early 2023, is fully funded by Counties Energy.

The 180kW charger will initially operate at 120kW until the battery is installed.

“We’re extremely excited to launch this high-powered EV charging solution for drivers, offering extremely fast and convenient charging to keep EV drivers on the move,” says Counties Energy chief executive Judy Nicholl.

“Powered by the soon-to-be-installed second-life battery this is a prime example of our distributed systems operator strategy as we work towards decarbonisation and reimagining our energy future.”

The October 17 launch also signifies another strategic move for the company as it switches on payment across all EV chargers on its network.  

“As we invest in new infrastructure with enhanced EV charging options, we’re also implementing paid charging across all EV chargers located in our network region,” Nicholl explains. 

“While we’ve offered charging for free for all users for the last three years, our cost-effective charging will commence from October 17.”

“We’re bringing customers more payment options on our OpenLoop platform with on-account charging, and a pay-as-you-go option coming soon in 2023,” says Nicholl.

“Customers with Octopus Energy as their electricity retailer can also pay via their electricity account.”

Local EV users have been advised of the move to EV charging payment via signage at the chargers and through the company’s social media, website and helpdesk.

Charges applying from October 17 include: 24kW EV charger – 25 cents per kWh and 15 cents per minute  – Mercer Service Centre; 50kW charger – 24 cents per kWh and 24 cents per minute – Glasgow Rd and Seddon Lane in Pukekohe, Paerata, Waiuku, and Pokeno; 180kW charger – 50 cents per kwh and 25 cents per minute – Mercer Service Centre.