Four EV chargers now at Countdown Waiheke Island

Countdown has installed Waiheke Island’s first public EV charging stations at its Waiheke supermarket.

The project, done in partnership with Christchurch-based Evnex, has the chargers free to use – meaning customers can top up their EVs while shopping.

Waiheke Island residents are early adopters of EVs with more than 200 already on the island.

Many will be at an Electric Island Waiheke public open day on March 14 at the Waiheke Sports Club, Ostend, and an EV record attempt the next day at the PlaceMakers Waiheke Store carpark, also at Ostend, 3pm.

The public open days precede EVtalk’s EVs and Beyond inaugural conference on March 16 and 17 at the Waiheke Island Resort.

The Electric Island Waiheke Trust is dedicated to having Waiheke become the world’s first all-electric residential island by 2030.

That vision is supported by Countdown, the supermarket chain’s corporate affairs, safety and sustainability general manager Kiri Hannifin says.

“We know that electric vehicles are a key part of Aotearoa’s future if we’re serious about reducing carbon emissions, and it’s fantastic that the Waiheke community is already embracing electric vehicles with a clear goal for the future.

“We’re delighted to bring public electric charging sites to our customers to help support this. Like all Kiwis, Countdown wants to play our part to help ensure we protect the special and precious environment we have in New Zealand. We’ve reduced our own emissions by more than 25% since 2016 through things like energy efficient refrigeration systems, LED lighting and reducing food waste to landfill, but there’s still so much more we can all do.”

Countdown’s charging stations are compatible with any EV and customers can charge their EVs from 7am until 7pm daily.

The chargers are R-Series, 7.4kW/single phase and provide up to 50km of range an hour.

Evnex founder and chief executive Ed Harvey says they are excited to work with Countdown, which shares their passion for sustainability.

“Not only are our charger stations designed and made in New Zealand, but we’ve entirely cut out single-use plastic packaging, and every charging station sold supports permanent native reforestation in New Zealand through the purchase of carbon credits,” Harvey says.

“We’re committed to making the choice to move to electric vehicles as simple as possible and we’re proud to be partnering with Countdown on this project.”

Evnex has 300 charging stations across the country with more to come.

Tickets are selling fast for the EVs and Beyond conference, so be in quick to reserve a seat.

Ticket cost is $450 + GST and can be purchased here.

If you have any further questions contact event co-ordinator Deborah Baxter on 027 530 5016 or email deborah@automediagroup.co.nz for more information.