EV charging guidelines released

The first set of guidelines in New Zealand for electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities have been released by the NZ Transport Agency. The information, created for those installing public chargers, aims to ensure the maximum number of EVs can be charged at any time. It also ensures publicly accessible chargers align with emerging technology and market changes, are safe to use and are compatible with the existing fleet of EVs. The guidelines look at two different charging facilities – DC-powered charging which is typically a fast-charge system and AC-powered charging, used in places where drivers stop for longer or where high turnover is not important. For DC fast-charging facilities, the guidelines recommend at least two different tethered cables: one fitted with a Chademo connector (used by Nissan Leaf, Nissan e-NV200 and Tesla) and one fitted with a CCS Type 2 connector (used by European EVs including BMW i3 and VW e-GOLF). The guidelines also recommend providing an additional Type 2 socket outlet, for relatively fast AC charging for selected vehicles. All public slow charge installations are recommended to have a Type 2 socket outlet. The Type 2 socket requires EV drivers to supply their own flexible cable, with a Type 2 plug at one end and a plug that matches their vehicle at the other end. The guidelines have been released after transport minister Simon Bridges announced BMW Group New Zealand and Charge Net NZ will build a fast-charging network of more than 100 stations.