First EV fast charger opens at a South Island supermarket

15 December 2016

First EV fast charger opens at a South Island supermarket

The first electric vehicle (EV) fast charger to be installed at any South Island supermarket opened today at New World Northwood in Christchurch. The charging station has been installed in a partnership between Orion, Foodstuffs South Island and ChargeNet NZ.

In other countries, like the US, EV charging at supermarkets and shopping malls is commonplace. This first charger at a South Island supermarket is being used by Foodstuffs as a trial before considering the rollout of charging stations at other New World, PAK'nSAVE and Four Square locations in the South Island.

"We're always looking for ways to improve our customers' overall shopping experience, and save them time too, and letting EV drivers come to New World Northwood to charge up their vehicle while they're shopping achieves both," says Steve Anderson, CEO of Foodstuffs South Island. "We're increasingly focussed on sustainability, and the introduction of EV chargers at our stores, like this one, is just one more way we're helping the environment."

Rob Jamieson, Orion CEO, says: "We're delighted to be able to work with Foodstuffs South Island and ChargeNet NZ on the installation of this EV fast charger."

"As EVs become more mainstream in coming years, having chargers located at supermarkets will be part of everyday life. The New World Northwood site is strategically placed for tourists coming into the city so it makes sense to install the first EV fast charger in this location," says Mr Jamieson.

The fast charger installed at Northwood is part of ChargeNet NZ's nationwide network of EV charging stations. ChargeNet NZ have opened a number of fast charge stations in partnership with various electricity suppliers, site owners and BMW. A fast charger typically charges an EV in around 20 to 30 minutes. EV owners need to open an account at charge.net.nz to be able to use the charger.

ChargeNet NZ Chief Executive, Steve West, said: "The Northwood charging station is another important link in our nationwide network. This makes EVs a great option for even more people, and adds much needed resilience to the Canterbury infrastructure. The collaborative approach taken at Northwood has worked well, and I hope to see many more Foodstuffs locations in the future."

ENDS

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