Invercargill gets plugged in

Invercargill has opened its first EV charging station.

A joint venture between PowerNet and Charge New NZ, the charge point can be used by anyone with an electric vehicle.

The fast charge technology can provide an 80% charge in 10-25 minutes, depending on the vehicle itself.

Electrified drivers can use an RFID tag or a smartphone app to access the new charger.

It will be part of ChargeNet’s grand plan to have 100 fast car charging points open across New Zealand, and costs 25c per minute and 25c per kW/hr to use.

“We envisage some major changes taking place as more people transition from fossil fuel vehicles to electric,” says Jason Franklin, PowerNet chief executive.

He believes the tourism industry could help accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles in Southland.

EV drivers that find themselves feeling flat in Invercargil can power up at 116 Esk St, near the Invercargill City Council.