EV roaming pilot here next year

ChargeNet, Z Energy and Counties Energy – which operates OpenLoop – are partnering for an EV charging roaming trial in 2024.

The project aims to develop and trial EV-roaming capability between the three EV charging networks, which would enable EV drivers to charge at any of three networks from their choice of account.

The trial will start early next year and is supported by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) with funding from Round 7 of the Government’s Low Emission Transport Fund (LETF).

By providing trial participants with easy access to all three charging networks, the pilot aims to accelerate New Zealand’s transition to a more sustainable, electrified transportation system.

ChargeNet chief executive Danusia Wypych says that the trial is driven by ChargeNet’s focus on continually investigating ways it can provide customers with best-in-class customer service, reliability and convenience.

“We want to make it easy for customers to love driving an EV – making EVs ‘everyday awesome’,” she says.

EV-roaming technology allows EV drivers to conveniently access charging infrastructure across different charging networks using a single account, eliminating the need for multiple accounts.

The trial will investigate the development of technology to support an interoperable system that enables seamless access and payment options for EV owners, across the three service providers.

“In practice, it would be like using an ATM for a different bank to the one you hold an account with,” Wypych says.

“This partnership brings together the expertise, resources, and network reach of three industry leaders, with the shared goal of enhancing New Zealand’s charging infrastructure and fostering the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

“We have recognised the need to work with other EV networks to facilitate the transition to electric mobility, and to support the needs of our customers,” she adds.

“Customers, no matter who they hold an account with, will be able to travel longer distances confidently, knowing they can access charging infrastructure across multiple networks with ease.”

Z EV charging head Kieran Turner says that eliminating the need for multiple accounts will streamline the charging experience for EV drivers.

“Our goal is to make it as easy for EV drivers to refuel as it is for those who drive petrol and diesel vehicles.

“We recognise it’s a pain having multiple accounts for different charging platforms and during this trial customers will have the ability to use their Z, ChargeNet or OpenLoop charging account at any of these charging sites,” Turner explains.

“It takes away the concern of having to find a specific provider’s charger or having to download and create another account, which we hope takes away one of the barriers for those who have made or are looking to make the switch to an EV.”

Counties Energy group chief strategy and transformation officer Moonis Vegdani says that by collaborating on this trial, ChargeNet, Z Energy, and Counties Energy’s OpenLoop aim to overcome barriers and accelerate the transition to electric mobility by making EV charging more accessible and convenient for all New Zealanders.

“The flexibility we intend to provide customers removes a current industry barrier which requires different mobile apps across various charging networks around Aotearoa,” he adds.

“This opportunity allows us to test roaming in Aotearoa both technically and commercially to determine the model that best suits Kiwi customers in the long term.”