Unison and TDC to Launch Taupō’s First Fast-Charger for EVs

A partnership between Taupō District Council and Unison will see Taupō’s first fast-charging station for electric vehicles (EVs) installed near the fire station on Kaimanawa Street.

The fast-charger is set to be commissioned by the end of April and will complement the two chargers Unison plans to commission by June on the Thermal Explorer Highway between Taupō and Napier.

Unison Group Chief Executive, Ken Sutherland said, “Taupō is an important central North Island hub for both national and local travel.

“Having a fast-charger in Taupō is good news for EV drivers and good news for the community. It will bring more visitors into the township to charge-up as the number of EV drivers grow," said Mr Sutherland.

The importance of providing infrastructure for electric vehicles in the Taupō district was a vision shared by the district’s council.

Taupō District Council Group Manager Operational Services, Kevin Strongman said he believed EVs would be part of the Taupō District’s transport future, and was excited to partner with Unison to provide a public charging station.

“While it’s early days for EVs in Taupō and around New Zealand, installing the infrastructure to help encourage the uptake of such a clean technology is a great step. We’re proud we’re able to be part of bringing a fast-charger to Taupō, so those people with EVs are able to travel to our district to enjoy everything we have to offer.”

Unison has been active in supporting the uptake of EVs having already commissioned three chargers on its network last year. It has also committed to converting 30 percent of its corporate fleet to EVs in the next three years.

"We've been really happy with the uptake of our existing charging stations,” said Mr Sutherland.

“Just over 10 months after launching our first charger in Hastings, the three chargers have collectively had over 1,000 fast-charging sessions in total and delivered more than 9,800 kWh of electricity.

"We think the future is looking bright for EVs too now that more infrastructure like this is being put in place. EVs cost less than a third to run than petrol or diesel vehicles and they produce no emissions because they are powered by our renewable electricity supply," he said.

Once it is commissioned, Unison’s Power Park EV charging station will be free to use for the first four months, and 40c/kWh thereafter, so a typical charge for 20 minutes will cost $8.00.

Those interested in learning more about electric vehicles or Unison’s Power Park charging stations can visit www.unison.co.nz/electric-vehicle-charging.