Wellington Zoo opens EV charger

Electric vehicle drivers can now park and power up at Wellington Zoo.

A new EV charger is operational outside the zoo on Manchester Street, Newtown and features two medium-speed 25kW DC chargers that can charge two EVs simultaneously.

It’s managed by the Wellington City Council and ChargeNet NZ.

“We’re thrilled to have an electric vehicle charger right outside the zoo,” Wellington Zoo safety, assets and sustainability general manager Chris Jerram says.

The zoo and council have both made commitments to reduce CO2 emissions and to work towards a zero carbon capital by 2050.

“As the world’s first carboNZero certified zoo (May 2013), we are committed to lowering our carbon emissions and drive behaviour change within our Wellington and wider community.”

The council has also installed 30 EV chargers in residential areas around Wellington for those with no off-street parking to help more people switch to EVs, with about 20 more planned.

These are expected to be operational within days.

“The number of public chargers in the city is increasing quickly and we’re delighted that residents who haven’t been able to charge up at their own property will now be able to access this charging site in Newtown,” Wellington City Council sustainability officer Sigurd Magnusson says.

“Fuel powered cars contribute around 38% of the city’s emissions. Electric cars emit 80% less carbon, so the more we can do to encourage people to use them, the better.”

ChargeNet NZ chief communications officer and co-founder Dee West says the zoo charger means EVs can charge up while people enjoy their outing, which she says “is not only fun and educational but also carbon neutral”.

Wellington Zoo has two EVs in its fleet and will continue to switch all its vehicles to electric.