BMW boosts the electric highway
BMW Group New Zealand has announced the launch of ChargeNow in the country. ChargeNow is a service from BMW i, which enables customers to access the largest network of electric vehicle fast charging stations, all with a single charge card.
The ChargeNow network is operated by Charge Net NZ, which is targeting a network of more than 100 DC fast charging stations by the end of 2017. Not only does Charge Net offer broad coverage across the country, the stations are powered by 100 percent zero-carbon-certified electricity from Ecotricity
BMW announced a partnership with Charge Net NZ in late 2016, to further develop a nationwide charging network. 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.
New Zealand is one of the most electric vehicle-ready countries in the world, with just over 80 percent of the country’s electricity generated from renewable sources. That positions New Zealand second in the world in terms of renewable electricity generation.
With ChargeNow, electric vehicle drivers will be able to fast-charge their cars at stations around the country using the BMW-Charge Net NZ-branded ChargeNow card, which operates as a debit card. Charging at a DC charging station takes around 30 minutes to reach 80 per cent capacity. A real-world scenario of charging from approximately 30 to 80 percent can be achieved in around 15 minutes.
BMW Group New Zealand managing director Florian Renndorfer welcomes the arrival of ChargeNow in New Zealand. “With more customers embracing electric vehicles and the rollout of a charging network fully underway, we are pleased to offer a solution where ChargeNow customers are fully supported by a convenient and extensive charging network.”
ChargeNow operates on a subscription basis, with customers able to create and manage their account via an internet portal, www.chargenow.co.nz. Customers then receive a ChargeNow card which activates charging functions at the fast chargers nationwide.