More chargers planned for EVs in Timaru

Two new electric vehicle charging sites are planned for Timaru.

The stations will be installed at Comfort Hotel Benvenue and a Foodstuffs supermarket as part of the Government’s Low Emissions Vehicles Contestable Fund.

On Wednesday, Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods announced a total of $3.8 million will be shared among 21 recipients, who are providing a total of $12m of their own funding.

Benvenue owner Greg Lancaster said four 22 kilowatt (kW) charging stations would be installed on the premises within weeks, while other chargers would be set up at Timaru’s New World or Pak’n Save.

An additional 25kW charger will also be installed at a second Timaru supermarket location if the budget allows.

Lancaster said installing the chargers was a long-term business cost that could take years to recoup but consideration for the environment played a key role in his decision. Lancaster said the hotel did receive requests for EV charging from guests.

Project partner ChargeSmart supplies hardware for the chargers. Chief executive Nigel Broomhall said Lancaster had to be commended for his initiative and investment.

The chargers being installed at Comfort Hotel Benvenue had the capability to charge a car up to 100 kilometres of range per hour, Broomhall said. ‘‘It [EV charger] can fully recharge anything overnight. Not many cars can take 22kW AC at the moment but that is changing.’’

Broomhall said Lancaster was ‘‘pretty unique’’ as not many accommodation providers were looking to install EV chargers on their premises.

‘‘I think Timaru should be pretty proud of the initiative these guys are showing.’’

Timaru resident Horst Elsen, who owns a Nissan Leaf, is thrilled about more chargers being installed in Timaru, especially at supermarkets.

‘‘At the moment we only have one in Timaru [in North St] and a couple of private ones.

‘‘There is one in Temuka but the others are further away.’’

He said charging at home took a long time.

‘‘It is usually eight to 12 hours for a charge at home but if the really fast chargers can take only 20 minutes for a full charge.’’

JOHN BISSET/STUFF The Aoraki Migrant Centre, English Language Partners and the Presybetarian Support Services Refugee Resettlement Group moved into their shared Multicultural Hub yesterday. From left are PSSC general manager Liz Nolan, Susan Henderson of English Language Partners; PSSC CEO Carolyn Cooper, Amanda Wills and Katy Houstoun, both of Aoraki Migrant Centre, and Fiona Jackson of PSSC.