‘Biggest’ EV charging hub opens

ChargeNet has opened a 10-point charging hub for electric vehicles (EVs) in Tauranga as the company aims to meet the growing demand for such facilities across the country.

The $1.8 million facility at Tauranga Crossing can accommodate up to 10 vehicles at a time, making it the largest EV charging hub in New Zealand, and can add up to 300km of range within 20 minutes. 

Danusia Wypych, ChargeNet chief executive officer, says the location was chosen after an analysis of data showed it would support charging demand and meet customers’ needs. 

“Tauranga Crossing is a point of convergence for the Bay of Plenty, hosting approximately 26,000 vehicles per day on average,” she explains. 

“This strategic location is expected to significantly enhance charging accessibility, especially given it provides two ‘pull-through’ charging bays that provide access to electric vehicles towing trailers, campervans, and small electric trucks.” 

Wypych adds the most effective way to rapidly cut emissions is through the electrification of light transport and she expects demand for EVs to continue to grow. 

“EV sales in New Zealand have moved beyond the tipping point at which uptake is exponential. A temporary slowdown in EV sales from recent changes in policy direction was predicted and will be short-term,” she continues. 

“Building such significant capability at Tauranga Crossing reflects the fact that EVs continue to be an attractive proposition for all New Zealand drivers, from an economic perspective as well as reduced emissions. 

“By providing more ChargeNet chargers at locations where drivers need them, we’re building confidence in the network for everyday EV drivers and helping to get more Kiwi drivers into EVs by building their trust that the EV-charging network can support them.”

The government has set a goal of building 10,000 public EV fast chargers by 2030 as New Zealand currently has the lowest ratio of public chargers per EV in the OECD. 

Wypych says enabling investors in EV chargers to connect to the country’s 28 local electricity networks quickly and on effective terms is essential for getting more facilities up and running. 

“Tauranga Crossing is an example of how private and public funding can work together to build high-impact infrastructure that meets the needs of the public,” she adds. 

“This new charging hub is a part of our wider plan to grow our network to 600 charging points – with a variety of hubs and destination chargers around the country designed to meet customer demand that is set up so capacity can be ramped up to accommodate increasing demand and utilisation as the number of EVs on the road increases.”

The hub, which opened on August 2, is jointly funded by ChargeNet and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), with co-funding from the latter’s low-emission transport fund.

Richard Briggs, EECA general manager delivery and partnerships, says: “This is a great milestone in the development of the public EV charger network. Tauranga Crossing is the first hub we have supported to go live, with more due to come online in the coming months. 

“Having more chargers in key places means less anxiety about queueing for drivers, and more options for charging up on longer journeys or when out and about locally.”

Janet Vincent, Tauranga Crossing centre manager, adds the company is proud to support a greener future for Tauranga and enhance the convenience of its customers’ visits.

“This exciting addition provides our community with a seamless experience, allowing them to conveniently charge their electric vehicles while enjoying our vast range of shopping and dining options,” she says.