Z installs fast start EV charging station in Christchurch

MEDIA RELEASE

TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2016

Z installs first fast start EV charging station in Christchurch

Z Energy today installed the first electric vehicle rapid charging station at a service station in Christchurch, at Z Moorhouse Avenue, Addington. The station was officially opened by Christchurch Deputy Mayor, Vicki Buck.

The installation is part of Z’s commitment to install six rapid-charge electric vehicle charging stations at sites in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch over the following weeks.

The rapid-charge stations are being supplied by Charge Net 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 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.

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