Jolt launches Wellington EV charger

Transport Minister Simeon Brown joined Jolt for the launch of its first fast EV charging station in Wellington.

Jolt says it’s building a network of EV charging stations in New Zealand’s largest cities, combining technology with innovative urban design for a free, fast charging experience powered by renewable energy. 

Wellingtonians can now charge for free and enjoy up to 50km of driving range daily. That’s a saving about $1200 annually at a time when cost of living is top of mind for many, says Jolt.

Once the 7kWh free daily allowance is reached further charging is 47 cents per kWh, all charging managed through the Jolt app, says the company, adding its EV charger is at Investore Property’s retail site at 91 Johnsonville Road. 

Jolt says it aims to work with private landowners and local authorities to have more locations live across Greater Wellington by the end of the year.

“Jolt has the capital and appetite to invest in Wellington’s urban infrastructure at the level Wellington needs to keep pace with EV growth, but it will take positive partnerships with site owners like Investore Property and with national and local government to deliver on that ambition,” says Jolt country manager Chris Monaghan.

Jolt founder and chief executive Doug McNamee says the company is on a mission to make electric transport more accessible and affordable.

“We want New Zealanders to have the same access to fast, free, and clean EV charging that we offer in other cities around the world,” he says.

“We’re deploying at pace and scale and have been thrilled to see a 250% increase in new users in the past 12 months.”      

Jolt has 34 EV charging sites live in Auckland and Christchurch.