Taupo Times

Taupo roads on the charge

- STEPH RANGI

The future is looking bright for electric cars in Taupo with a new project involving the installati­on of fast charging stations along the Thermal Explorer Highway receiving Government funding.

Unison Networks Ltd will oversee the installati­ons of the two fast charges between Napier and Taupo. With the fast charges in place, users will see their cars charged in approximat­ely 20 minutes compared to 6-8 hours at home.

‘‘The Napier-Taupo highway is a key transport link between Central North Island and Hawke’s Bay, and a popular tourist route,’’ Unison chief executive, Ken Sutherland, said. ‘‘This project will mean EV drivers – residents and visitors alike - won’t have to worry about finding a charging station along the 140 km stretch of road. This is great news for our network regions.’’

The company plan to have the two charging stations along the Napier-Taupo Road in by June, and also has another planned for Taupo this year.

A total of 15 projects around the country have been given about $3.5 million from the Low Emission Vehicles Contestabl­e Fund.

Energy and Resources minister, Judith Collins, said the fund was establishe­d to help meet the target of 64,000 electric vehicles (EV) on New Zealand roads by 2021.

‘‘Electric vehicles are cheaper to run than petrol or diesel vehicles and, because they’re powered by our abundant renewable electricit­y supply, they will reduce the emissions that come from the country’s vehicle fleet,’’ Collins said.

‘‘An electric vehicle in New Zealand produces 80 per cent fewer carbon emissions than a petrol or diesel powered vehicle.’’

Central Motor Group were the first ones to install an EV charger in the Taupo area. Since then, about 20 different people have come in and used it.

‘‘When we first got it in we hardly had anyone come and use it,’’ Steve Greenwood, EV central, said. ‘‘But over Christmas we had someone every day.’’

So far, Central Motor Group have sold 15 EVs, mostly out of town, and to businesses.

Greenwood added they basically have everything in the EV range and they are looking to install another charger - not as fast as the rapid ones, but faster than the one they currently have.

 ?? PHOTO: STEPH RANGI / FAIRFAXNZ ?? Steve Greenwood from EV Central and Sigurd Magnusson try out two electric vehicles on the Thermal Explorer Highway.
PHOTO: STEPH RANGI / FAIRFAXNZ Steve Greenwood from EV Central and Sigurd Magnusson try out two electric vehicles on the Thermal Explorer Highway.

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