Z Energy has teamed up with Kiwi tech company Red Phase to bring “ultra-fast” EV chargers to forecourts across the country.
Two Red Phase EV chargers capable of up to 200kW are currently being trialed at Z Waiouru, which will eventually lead to a nationwide expansion.
It’s all part of Z’s plan to build a network of “on-the-go” chargers across New Zealand, which it will do by installing EV chargers at 20 per cent of its sites by the end of 2023.
“We know partnering with others on this same journey to a low-carbon Aotearoa will help us move at scale and pace,” says Kieran Turner, Head of EV Charging at Z.
“Red Phase offers a solution that is unique to the New Zealand market and will enable us to roll out high-powered multi-bay sites avoiding costly network upgrades that can add significant time to the installation of EV infrastructure.
“This pilot will ensure we can test and enhance the technology before rolling it out to other Z sites across the country.”
The country’s largest fuel retailer also recently announced the launch of its home electricity offer, giving electric car and plug-in hybrid owners three hours of free charging between 3 and 6 am.
Z will continue to pilot the Red Phase chargers at its Waiouru forecourt throughout September before two more units are installed at the site.