The Lines Company network set to become an EV destination

18 January 2018

The Lines Company has been awarded $215,880 from the Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund, administered by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).

The funding is to be used to install up to 100 metered medium speed electric vehicle (EV) chargers throughout its network. The funding is part of a $3.74 million package announce by Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods earlier this week to support the growth of EVs.

“We’re excited to receive the government funding. We can now begin the detailed planning work required to deliver our EV project. This will include what technology we’re going to use and where the EV chargers will be located,” says Sean Horgan, Chief Executive.

TLC’s proposal is focused on installed EV chargers at accommodation and tourism businesses to enable publicly accessible charging throughout its network, which is largely non-accessible currently to EVs.

“The purpose of the project is to make our network at EV destination. EVs are growing in popularity so it will enable visitors to charge their EVs overnight or while enjoying what our region has to offer.”

“Our network area is popular with both New Zealanders and overseas visitors. Once this project is complete it will provide an opportunity to promote the area as an EV destination,” says Mr Horgan.

In 2016 the government announced its EV Programme including measures to increase the number of EVs in New Zealand with the goal of reaching 64,000 on our roads by the end of 2021. As at December 2017, there were 6,162 registered EVs in New Zealand.

TLC will now begin work on their EV project with the first charging stations expected to be available by June and all new chargers in operation by early 2019. TLC encourage those businesses, particularly accommodation business within their network, to contact them if they are interested in being considered for an EV charger.