East Coast going EV friendly

EV fast charging stations will be built at six strategic sites around the Gisborne/East Coast area by Christmas, helping plug a big gap in the rapidly expanding national EV charging network.

Regional infrastructure company Eastland Group has gained a $251,000 government contribution towards electrifying the East Coast section of the Pacific Coast Highway.

“This project is critically important. It will further open up the region to tourists, and encourage local uptake of EVs as they’re a genuinely viable, cost-effective, low emission option,” Eastland Group chief executive Matt Todd says.

The group successfully applied to the Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority (EECA) Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund, one of 15 projects to receive funding in the latest round.

The rest of the cost will be met by Eastland Group ($181,000) and their shareholder the Eastland Community Trust ($100,000).

“It’s all part of the vision to ensure Tairawhiti (Gisborne/East Coast) is leading the way in emerging technologies, for the benefit of the community, the economy and the environment,“ Todd says.

He says local businesses can now seriously consider switching to EVs, as they will be able to travel throughout the district and further around the North Island with convenient charging stops on the way.

Three 50kW fast charging units will be installed at Wairoa, Putorino/Kotemaori and inland at Matawai, along with three 25kW units at Tolaga Bay, Te Araroa, and Morere.

Hawke’s Bay, Taupo and Rotorua electricity distributor Unison Networks supported Eastland Group’s application and is providing technical assistance.

“These chargers will help to bridge another significant national travel gap for EV drivers, allowing drivers to travel between the Tairawhiti region, Hawke’s Bay, Taupo and Rotorua in an EV without range anxiety,” Unison relationship manager Danny Gough says.

The Gisborne District Council and other nearby local authorities are supporting the move, saying the fast charging network will benefit local communities and the region, encouraging more tourism.

The six new chargers will add to the region’s newly opened first 50kW EV charger, in Gladstone Road, Gisborne.

Eastland Group’s Electric Village, a community-focused new energy hub, is due to open in the Gisborne CBD within the next few months.