An electric vehicle fast charger was ceremonially opened at New World Westport by Buller District Mayor Garry Howard. Several long-range electric vehicles which are touring the entire country also attended the event, to highlight their environmental benefits and showcase their ability to drive over 400 kilometres per charge.
The charger is a result of strong collaboration between ChargeNet NZ, Foodstuffs, EECA and Buller Lines, and complements other charging stations installed at Four Square Karamea and New World Hokitika. New World Westport owner operator Chris Acklin says Foodstuffs is committed to sustainable practices and promoting the uptake of clean energy transport.
“We’re helping to promote the future of transport in a high-profile Westport location, and giving electric vehicle owners a convenient place to recharge”, says Mr Acklin.
Buller District Mayor Garry Howard says he is excited by the development. “I’m thrilled Chris and his team at New World Westport are taking the initiative to enable West Coast locals and tourists to transition to environmentally friendly vehicles, and I was impressed by the electric vehicles visiting Westport today.”
There are now about 13,000 electric vehicles (EVs) registered in New Zealand and a growing network of charging stations available. But there are only about 10 electric cars registered in the West Coast.
ChargeNet NZ continues to strengthen the charging infrastructure in New Zealand, enabling EV drivers to go further. They now have over 130 operating fast-charging stations with over 50 locations at New World, PAK’nSAVE and Four Square stores around the country.
ChargeNet NZ CEO Steve West is delighted to be part of this great collaboration story in Westport. “This charger forms another essential building block in the ChargeNet network, opening up more of our beautiful country to the electric revolution and helping to shape New Zealand’s sustainable transport future.”
Foodstuffs also has a large fleet of 28 electric delivery vans nationwide, and is in the process of buying three electric logistics trucks.
It takes 10 – 30 minutes on average to recharge an EV, however many EV owners will plug in and recharge their vehicles overnight at home. Used EVs are available at dealerships from around $10,000. The Government-funded study shows that Evs result in at least 60% fewer emissions over the course of manufacture, driving, and disposal versus a fossil-fuelled vehicle.
