Car power arrives in Kaitaia

An electric vehicle fast charger was officially opened in Kaitaia yesterday.

One of a number a number of charging stations that are being sited in the Far North as part of the Crimson Coast EV Highway, it was opened by representatives of the Te Ahu Trust and ChargeNet, in the carpark behind Te Ahu, with a convoy of electric vehicles (EVs) calling in on their way to Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga) on this year’s Leading the Charge Road Trip from Bluff.

The vehicles, including a Hyundai Ioniq, BMW i3, Tesla S and X models, and a Nissan eNV-200 camper van, were there not only to be seen but to give locals a chance to drive them.

ChargeNet CEO Steve West said he was excited by the region’s growing EV infrastructure.

“EVs are now much more affordable than ever thanks to rapid technological change and an increased supply of electric vehicles in New Zealand,” he said.

“For Kaitaia, as with the Far North in general, a stumbling block to increased EV uptake has been having enough charging stations in strategic locations. This charging station at Te Ahu, like the others we are opening as part of the Crimson Coast EV Highway project, will go a long way to solving that issue, and help increase the uptake of EVs across the district.

“This will help both locals and visitors alike to explore the region and improve the environment.”

The charger was installed in partnership by the Far North District Council, Northland Regional Council, Top Energy, ChargeNet, the Te Ahu Trust and the government’s Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund, administered by the EECA.

Used electric vehicles start at $10,000, and are routinely charged overnight at homes. Public charge stations enable road trips and boost the visibility of electric motoring. A fast charge station will charge most cars to 80 per cent in 25 minutes.

Demand for charging equipment is expected to rise rapidly, with New Zealand boasting well over 7000 electric vehicles as of last month.