Government offers guidance around new EV charging stations

Official guidance for those wanting to build electric vehicle (EV) charging stations has been released by the government.

Transport minister Simon Bridges says the guidance is timely, with the New Zealand’s EV fleet reaching more than 2500.

“This guidance is an important step towards developing a safe and consistent nationwide charging network that EV drivers can depend on,” Bridges says.

“It not only marks an important milestone in the government’s EV programme, but will help reassure drivers that EVs are the way of the future and here to stay.”

Most charging will continue to take place at home or the workplace, but reliable public charging infrastructure is needed for drivers taking longer trips, Bridges says.

The guidelines will take into account fast-moving changes in technology and successes and failures in overseas markets, he says,

A government-industry programme is in place to help reach 64,000 EVs in New Zealand by the end of 2021.

The guidance and information about the programme of work can be found at www.nzta.govt.nz/ev and www.electricvehicles.govt.nz.