Charging stations for electric cars

Ka¯ piti will soon be home to five new electric vehicle charging stations, thanks to a successful funding bid to the Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority (EECA).

The project is a trans-regional partnership between the Ka¯ piti Coast District Council, Horowhenua District Council, Electra Ltd and ChargeNet NZ.

It will ensure that nine fastcharging stations are installed in five strategic towns throughout Ka¯ piti and Horowhenua, including two in Paraparaumu and one each in Paeka¯ ka¯ riki, Raumati Beach, and Waikanae Beach.

Ka¯ piti Coast District Council deputy mayor Janet Holborow is thrilled with the $245,000 EECA contribution announced by Minister of Energy and Resources Megan Woods.

“This is a really exciting step forward in terms of making the move to sustainable transport.

“This is great news for local businesses as well as supporting a national shift for low-carbon transport options.”

Cr Holborow said the project also supports the government reach its target of having 64,000 electric vehicles on New Zealand roads by 2021.

“Having more charging facilities in the Ka¯ piti and Horowhenua districts makes switching from petrol to electric more accessible to residents and businesses in Ka¯ piti and the Lower North Island.

“More charging stations in Ka¯ piti and through Horowhenua will also strengthen the routes, enabling higher electric vehicle capacity on the roads, with reduced queues and wait times for the chargers available,” she said.

The charging stations are expected to be installed by the end of the 2018-19 financial year.