Less worries for Kiwi EV drivers
EVRoam, an NZ Transport Agency-led initiative, was launched by associate transport minister Julie Anne Genter today.
EVRoam is a live cloud-based database built from real-time information from electric vehicle (EV) public charging infrastructure around New Zealand.
It pulls information from energy suppliers and charging operators, such as Chargenet and Vector, and then pushes data out to a wide range of customer-facing websites, apps and maps.
As a result, EVRoam has direct integration with charging providers to provide live information. This means EV drivers can be confident they know where chargers are located and whether they are able to be used, and reassured they have the ability to use the charger due to the consistent plug type.
“This is about giving people the practical tools to confidently drive an electric car right around the country and know they have the power to go the distance,” said Genter at the launch.
“EVRoam lets drivers know if a charging station is active and able to be used, which means they can confidently plan their journeys.
“The real-time data will be made available on the Agency’s journey planner website, and to other third-party platforms like Google Maps, TomTom and the Automobile Association’s website.
ChargeNet, New Zealand's EV charging network infrastructure provider, also played a part in developing the game-changing EV software.
"When ChargeNet was founded it was done so with the primary goal of increasing the uptake of electric vehicles by providing a reliable, nationwide charging network. EVRoam supports us to this end by finally providing drivers with reliable, real-time, information about charging locations across the country," says ChargeNet CEO Steve West.
"Being able to access information about the chargers - where they are, what makes and models they support, and whether they’re operational or not makes it easy for EV owners to plan their journeys and helps to remove range anxiety."
There are currently 117 active rapid charging stations nationwide, with a further 19 under construction.
"We now have electric vehicle rapid charging stations every 75km on almost 80 per cent of the state highway network, which is a huge achievement," says Genter.
Click here to watch a video clip by the NZTA on EVRoam.
