24 March 2016
Z installs fast start EV charging stations in Wellington, Petone
Z Energy today installed the first fast charge electric vehicle charging stations at service stations in Wellington, at
Z Vivian Street and Z Petone. The Z Vivian Street charging station was officially opened by Wellington Mayor, Celia
Wade-Brown.
The installations are part of Z’s commitment to install six rapid-charge electric vehicle charging stations at sites in
Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch over the coming weeks.
The rapid-charge stations are being supplied by Charge Net NZ and will be available for public use. The Tritium fast
chargers draw up to 400 volts of electricity and can charge a standard electric vehicle in the time it takes a customer
to buy and drink a cup of coffee.
Z Sustainability Manager, Gerri Ward, said the move was part of Z’s continued commitment to moving from being a part of
the climate change problem to the heart of the solution.
“We’re not an oil company, we’re a transport energy company and we’re committed to meeting the needs of our customers,
whatever they might be.
“We also want to be at the front of the push towards a cleaner, more sustainable New Zealand and to give Kiwis choices
to use more renewable fuels.”
The electric charging stations will cost approximately $5 - $10 for the vast majority of users (i.e. a Nissan Leaf) to
fill up, and the charge time from empty will be approximately 10 – 25 minutes, as opposed to up to eight hours for a
conventional slow charge. A 25 minute charge will “fill up” an entry level electric vehicle like a Leaf and allow
customers to travel around 120 kilometers.
“These stations provide another option to keep our customers moving regardless of the vehicle they drive or the fuel
they need,” said Gerri.
Chief Executive Steve West from Charge Net NZ has found working with Z Energy to be a great experience, and is pleased
to see the iconic Kiwi brand charging into the future.
“Z Energy is a great company to work and collaborate with. We are excited to see these stations go live,” he said.
ends