EV fast charger unveiled at PAK'nSAVE Queenstown

New Zealand’s Minister for Energy and Resources, Dr Megan Woods, has unveiled the latest in electric vehicle charging at the PAK’nSAVE supermarket in Queenstown, on New Zealand’s South Island. The fast charger is conveniently located for customers to top up their electric vehicles while they do their grocery shopping.

There are nearly 8000 electric vehicles registered in New Zealand, with numbers doubling year on year. But with most New Zealanders charging their electric cars overnight at home, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) is seeking to ensure that New Zealanders have access to charging stations everywhere.

Thanks to a collaboration with the EECA and electric vehicle charging network provider ChargeNet NZ, more than 50 New World, PAK’nSAVE and Four Square stores around the country will have electric vehicle charging stations by the end of 2018. A network of fast chargers at supermarkets means drivers can recharge quickly near where they live, work and shop, and while on extended road trips. A 25-minute fast charge will generally add over 100 km worth of driving range to the battery.

PAK’nSAVE owner operator Anthony King said the supermarket retailer is committed to sustainable practices along with parent company Foodstuffs South Island.

“Promoting the uptake of clean energy transport with electric vehicles is a very important part of the puzzle,” said King. “The more we can do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and our reliance on fossil fuels, the better.

“We’re creating a one-stop shop with an electric car fast charger conveniently located at our store, and this is just one of the initiatives we have in place to reduce our environmental footprint with waste and energy use top priorities.”