Critical role for public charging

The chief executive officer of ChargeNet has backed the level of government support for electric vehicles (EVs).

Danusia Wypych says what’s been announced in the budget when it comes to infrastructure and initiatives will help enable the widespread adoption of EVs.

Switching the light fleet to zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs), she adds, is the most straightforward way to reduce transport-sector emissions. With a growing market for second-hand electric cars, it can also help to lower overall costs for families facing cost of living pressures.

Wypych, pictured, says: “ChargeNet plans to double the density of its network in the next three years, bringing everyday New Zealanders more than 600 fast DC-charging points. 

“We’re already about halfway there. Over the next year, we will open more than a dozen new sites co-funded through the government’s low-emission transport fund. In the coming year, ChargeNet expects to commit to the same number of privately funded sites.

“The government’s support enables private investment to ramp up and keep pace with EV uptake over the next four years. It's $120 million over four years towards building light EV-charging infrastructure could ensure the rapid adoption of ZEVs can be supported with essential public-charging networks.”

Wypych says that for every dollar the government has invested with ChargeNet, the company has provided three dollars of private capital. 

“We don’t yet know how the fund will be structured, or accessed, be hope to see a diverse range of infrastructure supported. If funding can be accessed in a rational manner where companies are required to demonstrate the need for co-investment alongside their own capital, we can support the rapid adoption of EVs for all kinds of Kiwi families.

“Public-charging infrastructure plays a critical role in enabling uptake particularly to encourage long-distance travel, widespread fleet adoption, movement away from peak-energy usage and support for all motorists who wish to transition to an EV. 

“Supply needs to come before demand. If we want more people to buy EVs, chargers need to be there for them. The network should be developed in anticipation of rapid demand increases for public charging, not just what’s commercially viable now.

“ChargeNet encourages the government to develop a consistently available fund for public charging for sites where investment is needed but will not be immediately profitable.”