Electric charging stations proposed for Mackenzie
Business interest in electric vehicles in the Mackenzie district and growing demand for them among tourists has energised power firm Alpine Energy to improve its infrastructure.
A report to this week’s Tekapo Community Board meeting from Mackenzie District Council roading manager Scott Mckenzie said Alpine Energy had approached the council about plans to install one charging station each in Fairlie, Tekapo and Twizel.
‘‘A local commercial company has recently purchased a number of electric vehicles, which has reinforced the need in the short term for these charging stations’’, the report said.
‘‘It has been indicated that a number of rental car companies are looking into this alternative energy source for their vehicles.’’
He said the proposed points for the charging stations were opposite the EAT Cafe on Riddle St in Fairlie, Rapuwai Lane Western car park in Tekapo and opposite the Top Hut Pub and Bistro on Tasman Rd in Twizel.
The charging station would have a dedicated parking space which would have a five minute time limit unless charging a vehicle.
‘‘It has been indicated that electric vehicles will take approximately minutes to 20 recharge, and during this time people are able to explore the town.’’
Mckenzie said the proposed charging points would be the same as those installed in Timaru, which would not cater for ‘‘all types of electric vehicle’’, as it would only supply DC current.
‘‘But the unit proposed will cater to the majority of mainstream electric vehicles at this stage. We have been assured that this system is very safe and reasonably vandal proof.
‘‘It will aid in the transport system going forward, encouraging these alternative models of transport into our district, supporting tourism growth and environmentally friendly transport solutions.’’
The proposal was for land to be temporarily leased to Alpine Energy for a year, an agreement which would be reviewed annually.
Mckenzie said for the first 12 months, the project would be ‘‘cost neutral’’ for the council.