BMW boost for EV chargers

BMW Group New Zealand has teamed up with electric vehicle (EV) charge-point operator Jolt to help grow the country’s fast-charging network.

It says the partnership will deliver benefits to its growing number of EV customers and contribute to achieving sustainability objectives.

Australian-based Jolt plans to roll-out hundreds of 25-50kW DC fast-charging stations here, with the first unit already established in Auckland. Further facilities are due to be installed in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch this year.

The company offers free charging up to 7kWh, which is the equivalent of about 45km of range, to all EV drivers with a Jolt account every 24 hours.

BMW Group NZ has become the automotive category-exclusive advertising launch partner for Jolt, which already operates in Australia, the US and Canada.

Adam Shaver, managing director of BMW Group NZ, says New Zealand is the leading market in the Asia-Pacific region for sales of electrified BMW vehicles in the overall model mix, “which means new charging solutions for our country are not only welcome – they’re highly important”.

“Our progressive new partnership with a forward-thinking company like Jolt plays an important role in expanding New Zealand’s EV infrastructure to meet rapidly increasing demand,” he adds.

“It also complements the BMW Group’s all-encompassing sustainability initiatives on our way to becoming a carbon-neutral business by 2050 – the same year as New Zealand itself.”

Henry Rowley, Jolt’s New Zealand sales director, says: “We are excited to equip BMW with the ability to reach its audiences in a more effective yet sustainable way which will only get stronger with the growth of our network.”