Two more EV chargers unveiled
21 November 2023
Electric vehicle (EV) drivers now have two more places to plug in and charge up when travelling throughout the King Country and central plateau.
The Lines Company (TLC) has commissioned two new fast EV chargers – one on Forest View Road in Whakamaru and one in Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo. It means there are now six fast chargers across the TLC network, allowing drivers to fully charge their vehicles within 15 – 30 minutes.
It brings the total number of EV charging units on the TLC network to 48 with the furthest distance between EV chargers just 70km.
TLC secured funding for the latest chargers from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) which wants to see fast EV chargers in pivotal locations across New Zealand. A further fast charger will be commissioned in Taumarunui next month, in Hakiaha Street.
General manager, future energy Kyle Barnes said TLC remained “wholly committed” to creating an EV-friendly network. It was a position supported by Waitomo Energy Services Customer Trust (WESCT) chair William Oliver who said fast EV chargers helped make the region more attractive.
“There is steady growth in EVs and hybrid vehicles in New Zealand, including from visiting tourists. This makes it easier for tourists to explore our amazing part of the world, easily and without any concerns,” he said.
Barnes said Taupō District Council and South Waikato Veterinary Service had provided huge support while the chargers were installed. The one in Whakamaru is right outside the veterinary clinic. A map of every EV charger on the network is on the TLC website.
Seventeen of TLC’s own vehicles were now hybrid or electric and are often seen charging outside the TLC main office in Te Kūiti, Barnes said.
“We need to do our part to address carbon emissions so our plan is to keep rolling out our EV charger programme as quickly as we can.”
“It’s great for locals who have made the change to an electric or hybrid vehicle. And if we can encourage visitors to stay a bit longer by making travelling easy, that’s great for everyone.”