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The government has unveiled plans to co-fund more than 100 electric vehicle (EV) chargers, totalling over 200 charging ports throughout New Zealand. The chargers will be strategically located along key holiday routes, with the goal of having many of them operational by the end of the year. This development marks a substantial enhancement to the public EV charging infrastructure in the country.
The priority is on major highways, thoroughfares, and locations that are frequently visited by New Zealanders during their daily activities like shopping. Research conducted by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) reveals that although 80% of individuals primarily charge their electric vehicles at home, there is a significant demand for a variety of charging alternatives while they are on the go, particularly during longer journeys.
According to Minister of Energy and Resources Dr Megan Woods, to help with longer journeys, the government is co-funding high-speed chargers located along major highways at 19 popular holiday routes, including Bombay, Turangi, and Wanaka. Additionally, these plans encompass establishing the country’s first charging ‘hubs,’ featuring up to ten high-speed chargers, along with amenities such as food services and restroom facilities.
The government is collaborating with industry players to accommodate the continuous monthly rise in EV sales by expanding charging capacity ahead of the increasing demand. It has successfully achieved its previous goal of installing one EV charger approximately every 75 kilometres along the state highways. However, the new vision is to ensure that New Zealanders can charge their electric vehicles wherever and whenever they need to.
The announced initiatives come from three rounds of the Low Emission Transport Fund (LETF), which is managed by EECA. In total, 16 projects will benefit from $11 million in government co-funding, which will be matched by $13.5 million in private investment. This fund is designed to back the demonstration and adoption of low-emission transport technology, innovation, and infrastructure, aimed at reducing carbon emissions within the New Zealand transport sector.
It is primarily geared towards activities within the transport sector, including road, off-road, marine, and aviation transportation. It aims at demonstrating innovative solutions that pave the way for future adoption and deployment and reducing energy-related emissions within the sector. It will also address market and organisational barriers through co-investment and knowledge dissemination and actively share lessons to encourage the broader replication of successful projects and solutions. Wider transport systems and activities (such as building roads, urban design, and mode shift policy) are excluded.
Last May, the government released the first Emissions Reduction Plan. It explored how the country would meet the first emissions budget for 2022–25 and put it on track to meet future emissions budgets. It aims to rapidly adopt low-emissions vehicles including by improving EV-charging infrastructure across Aotearoa to ensure that citizens have adequate access to charging facilities. Although EVs are not a solution, they are a crucial part of a decarbonised transport system, complementing increased opportunities for adults and children to safely walk, cycle, and use high-quality public transport.
Earlier this year, the government released the first EV charging strategy, ‘Charging Our Future’. It aims to establish charging hubs every 150-200 kilometres on main highways, public chargers for every 20-40 EVs in urban areas, and public charging at community facilities for all settlements with 2,000 or more people.
