First EV fast charger opens at a South Island supermarket
Foodstuffs South Island
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."
