Hokitika – Key gaps in the South Island’s public EV charging network will be closed with support from the low emissions transport fund (LETF).
Five new locations are Kohatu, Haast, Hari Hari, St Arnaud, and Springs Junction and they will receive DC fast chargers in a partnership between the LETF and Meridian Energy.
They represent some of the most challenging sites in New Zealand to install electric vehicle chargers, with electricity grid constraints and lower traffic volumes.
The LETF made just over $1 million available to help fill important remaining gaps in the state highway network.
Chargers at the new locations will largely complete the government’s goal to provide fast chargers to the public at 75km intervals along state highways.
The locations are on some of our popular tourist routes, giving travellers and locals alike the confidence to take their electric vehicle and enjoy the scenic drive without the risk of getting stranded.
Being more remote, they presented some unique challenges to potential charging providers. Meridian Energy will install 10 chargers as part of their nationwide charger rollout. At each place:
- Haast – two 50kW DC fast chargers in Haast, filling a network gap between Wanaka and Franz Joseph
- Hari Hari – two 50kW DC fast chargers in Hari Hari, filling a gap between Fox Glacier and Westport
- St Arnaud – two 25kW DC chargers in St Arnaud, facilitating electric vehicle traffic to Lake Rotoiti and Blenheim
- Springs Junction – two 50kW DC fast chargers which will be supported by three 120kWh BESS (battery energy storage system) units in Springs Junction west of Lewis Pass, eliminating a key charging infrastructure blackspot
The charger installations are expected to be available from May 2023. The LETF is contributing $1,065,914 in co-funding alongside $756,782 in private investment from Meridian.
More information about the confirmed co-funding, and previous rounds, can be found here: Low Emission Transport Fund | EECA.
