Fast-charging hubs open

New electric vehicle (EV) charging hubs have been opened in Tirau and Wanaka as bp charge expands its national network with the support of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).

The facilities at bp Connect Tirau and bp Connect Wanaka provide drivers with access to 150kw fast charging and the sites feature 10 and six charge points respectively. 

They add to bp charge’s existing hubs in Auckland at Hobsonville, Rosedale and Smales Farm and were paid for with co-funding from EECA’s Low Emission Transport Fund.  

Haley Mahoney, head of country, bp New Zealand, notes the Wanaka EV charging hub is its first in Central Otago and the Tirau site has a drive-through suitable for larger vehicles.

With EECA’s support, bp charge is planning EV hubs at seven more locations Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Manawatu and Otago in 2025.

Richard Briggs, EECA’s group manager – delivery and partnerships, says partnering with companies such as bp on public EV infrastructure projects generates insights that benefit the wider sector. 

“EECA is able to learn from bp’s technical expertise … and support other businesses to overcome the barriers they face,” he adds. “This is helping to accelerate the rollout of New Zealand’s public EV charging network.”

Since late 2022, bp charge has installed fast EV chargers at more than 60 locations across the North and South Islands and plans to install the country’s first EV Gigahub in Christchurch over the coming months.