A newly published government guidance document on charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs) is expected to enhance the development of a safe and consistent charging network.
With New Zealand’s EV fleet now surpassing 2500 and “exceeding all targets”, Transport Minister Simon Bridges says the aim is to provide clear recommendations for both investors and those enabling the development of charging station sites, such as local authorities.
“While we expect most charging will continue to take place at home or the workplace, reliable public charging infrastructure is crucial to provide drivers with the confidence to make longer trips,” says the Minister.
“It can also influence the decision to buy one.”
Minister Bridges adds that the New Zealand Transport Agency worked closely with local and central government and industry to identify recommendations that would best meet the long-term needs of EV drivers.
“Central to the recommendations was ensuring they took into account emerging fast-charge technology and overseas market shifts, learning from the failures and successes of other countries.”
Supporting the development and roll-out of public charging infrastructure, the guidance document forms part the Government/industry programme to achieve 64,000 EVs in New Zealand by the end of 2021.