BMW is turning Middle Earth electric after announcing a substantial contribution to the charging network Charge Net NZ. This landmark partnership will enable Kiwis to drive their electric vehicles (EVs) right across New Zealand through the installation of a fast charging highway stretching from Kaitaia to Invercargill.
BMW has confirmed its position at the forefront of the world’s electric revolution by linking with Charge Net NZ to install more than 100 DC stations around New Zealand, providing nationwide fast-charge coverage.
Supported by an investment from BMW AG in Munich, New Zealand is on track to become one of the first nations in the world where it will be possible to drive around the entire country using purely electric power.
BMW New Zealand Managing Director Florian Renndorfer said BMW, which is celebrating 100 years of operation in 2016, was committed to shaping the mobility of this century and the next 100 years.
“BMW is a leader in electric vehicle technology worldwide. The BMW i3 is the world’s first purpose built electric vehicle, imagined, designed and built from the ground up to be purely electric.
“While the BMW i3 was designed as a mega-city vehicle, the extended range available on the latest BMW i3 94Ah means it can now be a mega-country vehicle too.
“And our support of Charge Net NZ will give BMW i3 owners the option to break out of their normal urban driving environment and tackle long distances,” Renndorfer said.
The BMW-Charge Net ‘Electric Highway’ will focus on major cities, but will enable an electric vehicle to drive around New Zealand using DC fast-charge stations. Over 100 DC stations are earmarked to connect New Zealand by the end of 2017, and already Charge Net NZ has gone live nationally with 20 fast-charging stations.
