Charging market gets Jolt
Jolt, an Australian-based global electric vehicle (EV) charging company, will start rolling out a network of free and fast EV chargers around New Zealand from July.
They will initially be installed at Mitre 10 stores, and retail locations in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch this year.
The company’s national partnership with Mitre 10 will see the first charger sites go live in July with plans for hundreds of chargers to be rolled out New Zealand-wide over coming years.
EV drivers will have access to 7kW of free charging per day at Jolt fast-chargers, which provides about 40-50km of range depending on the type of vehicle.
Jolt says this model of charging service helps solve the major barriers to the uptake of EVs, which are known to include access to charging, cost and range anxiety.
Chief executive officer, Doug McNamee, says: “Jolt is investing in New Zealand as there is strong momentum within the market to change to an EV.
“Through our partnerships with the leading retail brands and local government in New Zealand, we want to create a large and leading charging network that provides the best experience for all EV drivers.”
Chris Monaghan, country manager for New Zealand, pictured, adds: “Jolt is investing and developing an urban-focused fast-charging network that will align with local and central government climate-emissions targets and help increase the uptake of EVs.
“We are selecting locations based on where it is most convenient for EV drivers within urban areas so we don’t disrupt their routines. Drivers pull up, plug in and are on their way in 20 minutes, receiving up to 7kWh free per day and saving more than $1,000 a year by charging with Jolt.
“The promise for EV drivers is urban, highly visible and convenient fast-charging that provides 7kW of free charging every 24 hours. With fast DC EV charging, drivers can enjoy the retail facilities of our partners and then go about their day.
“A driver can charge for free every day. which takes about 20 to 25 minutes. or choose to charge over the free charge at the lowest charge rates in New Zealand.”
Grant Fraser, Mitre 10’s chief legal and property officer, says: “If we are to make a real and sustainable impact, public and private-sector partners must collaborate more to find solutions.
“The Mitre 10 co-operative is proud to be contributing to New Zealand’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions through this partnership. Thirty-nine of our 84 locally owned stores will have Jolt charging stations installed over time.”
Monaghan adds: “Starting with Mitre 10 and rolling out the service on such a prominent network of stores in New Zealand, you will quickly see the network grow even more with new partners coming on-board as we continue to grow throughout New Zealand.”
About Jolt
The company is building what it describes as “New Zealand’s first network of free, fast-charging stations”.
It has the exclusive e-mobility charging infrastructure investment by BlackRock, Real Assets Renewable Energy Fund, and says it isn’t reliant on government grants and subsidies to make a scaled investment into this country’s EV fast-charging infrastructure.
Using “innovative tech, enabled by partnerships with governments and companies such as Mitre 10”, Jolt is “creating a functional and sustainable charging network that runs off renewable energy, contributing to a zero-emission future”.
