More EV chargers for key South Island locations 

There are more EV chargers on the way with Meridian Energy’s Zero network installing new units in three spots in the South Island.

Meridian received co-funding from EECA to install EV chargers.  

The three locations where Zero is planning to install new chargers are:

• Culverden (State Highway 7)
• Richmond (near State Highway 6)
• Kaikōura (State Highway 1)

The charging hubs are located near state highways and amenities, with multiple high-powered chargers, and able to accommodate larger passenger vehicles.

Each site will feature three high-capacity DC chargers, with two cables per charger, and with the potential for future expansion. Each charger can do up to 150 kW per charging cable. If two cars are charging simultaneously the 150 kW will be shared, depending on each vehicle’s battery state of charge.

The sites will include two mobility spaces at each location and the chargers will be at road level to provide greater accessibility for people. 

“Electric vehicles are here, and we’re making range anxiety a thing of the past,” says Meridian Chief Customer Officer Lisa Hannifin.

“Having more chargers available around New Zealand will help make EVs an even more attractive option for individuals, families and businesses to get out of the cities and move around the South Island safely and efficiently.” 

“This funding injection will help expand New Zealand’s EV charging infrastructure in a big way, making it much more convenient for people to travel throughout the country,” says Lisa Hannifin.

“People can travel confidently, knowing that there’ll always be an easily accessible charging station a little further up the road.”