Waitomo Petroleum EV charger opens

A Waitomo Fuel Stop at Mystery Creek has opened the first electric vehicle rapid charger under a new partnership with WEL Networks.

EVs can charge up at Waitomo’s Mystery Creek Fuel Stop on the corner of Airport and Ohaupo roads, the new charger also perfectly positioned for people heading to Fieldays.

Installation of the rapid charger has been partly funded through an Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority (EECA) grant to grow WEL’s EV network.

Waitomo managing director Jimmy Ormsby says it just makes sense that two Waikato businesses support each other.

“While some might see EV vehicles as competition to our fuel business, we simply see it as complementary. Often EV drivers have a second car for longer distance journeys. We’re all about offering Kiwis competition and choice, and by installing an EV charger, we can make Waitomo a one-stop Fuel Stop for all their needs.”

WEL’s network of more than 20 EV chargers stretches across the Waikato region, including Maui Street, Caro Street, Waikato Innovation Park, Hampton Downs, Te Kauwhata and Raglan.

“Partnering with another innovative Waikato business like Waitomo Group has allowed us to expand the southern boundary of our EV network,” WEL Networks innovation engineer Cameron Chapman says.

“We’ve already received a positive response from EV drivers about the Mystery Creek location, which connects all areas of our region and allows us to offer new energy solutions to more drivers in our communities.”

Compatible with any EV and quick to use, customers will be able to charge their EVs for free from low to 80% battery capacity in around 20 minutes – compared to a standard charger which takes about four hours.

Motorists heading to Fieldays on June 14 in need of a fuel or charge up can visit the Mystery Creek Fuel Stop until 10.30am to warm up with a free coffee and meet some of the team from Waikato Rugby.

Following the opening of Waitomo’s Upper Hutt Fuel Stop in May, it will open a second site in central Wellington shortly.
A new site in New Plymouth at Otaka is under construction and will open mid-July, and Waitomo’s first South Island site, in Christchurch, is also under way and due to open before the end of this year.