Piopio EV charger opens

An EV fast charging station has been opened in King Country town Piopio at Kara Park on State Highway 3 by The Lines Company (TLC).

TLC has now installed four fast charging units and more than 40 standard AC charging units across its network region with the help of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority’s (EECA) Low Emission Vehicle Contestable Fund.

“Fast charging vehicles are becoming increasingly common on our roads and highways,” says TLC network acting general manager Craig Hackett.

“We’re catering for these drivers by building a fast charge network with chargers located on main streets for convenience.

Piopio’s charger is the fourth of six 50kW fast chargers being installed by TLC – the first three in Otorohanga, Taumarunui and Ohakune in 2021, with additional fast chargers due to be commissioned in Waitomo and Whakamaru in coming months.

“The new DC fast chargers are so quick,” Hackett adds.

“Drivers can expect an 80% charge to take only 15 to 25 minutes depending on the vehicle’s specifications.”

Like all TLC chargers, the Piopio fast charger features the OpenLoop mobile app payment facility.

EVs using the DC fast chargers are charged at DC rates.