Ultra-fast EV chargers may encourage EV ownership

Kwetta (formerly Red Phase) aims to bring in a new era of electrification for New Zealand’s vehicle fleet with the roll-out of ultra-fast chargers and a new approach to considering the power grid’s health.

The Napier-based company has partnered with Z Energy (Z) to establish 38 chargers around the country so far, each charger (about 200kw/h at 11 Z service stations, with 150 charging bays expected by the end of 2024) able to provide about 300-400km range in 20 minutes or under.

Kwetta co-founder Mike Lazelle told Newsroom the slower pace of home charging and range anxiety are roadblocks to moving Kiwi drivers away from fossil fuel consumption – but he hopes to smooth the transition with charging technology that allows faster speeds by applying principles of electricity usage formerly used to manage factories’ electricity demand.

As EV charging demand has risen a strain is apparent on the power grid, Lazelle saying the problem isn’t just grid capacity but voltage, security and quality as well.

The team studied hardware used in factories that used power conditioners to avoid constraining the grid by regulating incoming voltage, before adapting it to the New Zealand market.

Z announced it was partnering with Kwetta at the end of last year with a pilot at Z Waiouru.

Z chief executive Lindis Jones told Newsroom that while Z continues to meet New Zealanders’ energy needs now, it’s also looking to make alternative energy choices easier for customers.