Working with partners, we’ve helped construct a far-reaching regional electric vehicle (EV) highway, allowing for a high per capita uptake of EVs in our region.
Driving an electric car produces 80% fewer carbon dioxide emissions than a petrol car, which is great for our environment. Additionally it only costs the equivalent of 30c per litre of gas to run an electric vehicle EV!
It’s why Northpower is leading the way, along with our partner Charge.Net.NZ to promote the use of electric vehicles in Northland.
Northpower’s fast charger in Whangarei’s CBD is powered by our Wairua Hydro Power Station, reinforcing our commitment to using renewable energy for long-term environmental and sustainability gains.
We were recently recognised for our efforts, being highly commended as a finalist in the annual Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) awards.
We’re also partnering with the University of Canterbury to devise the optimum mobile DC EV charging for roadside assistance when an EV runs out of charge between charging stations.
The best place to charge your EV is to plug it in overnight at home. If you’re looking at building a new property or renovating, you might like to consider installing charging points to future proof for any electrical vehicles you may have in the future.
If you’re on the road and looking for a charging station, we recommend the Plugshare, ChargeNet, or the NZTA EV charging station map.
The cheapest and easiest way to charge your EV is to plug it in overnight at home. An overnight charge will cost up to $3 per 100km.
Check with your Electricity Retailer and other Electricity Retailers for EV deals. Some do offer discounts for off peak EV charging or general off peak deals.
It depends on the owner of the charging station. Check on Plugshare or the charging station owner’s web site
Generally you should be able to slow charge you EV without upgrading your electrical supply. Many EV owners use an IC-CPD (in cord control & protection device) that will plug into a standard 10 Amp socket outlet or 16 Amp caravan socket outlet. If in doubt check with your electrician. If you want to install a fixed wall mounted charger you will need to have it wired by an electrician who will also check if the electrical supply has sufficient capacity.
Studies indicate that an EV may increase household electricity use by up to 35%. This can be supported most of the time but becomes challenging during peak demand periods (usually in the early mornings and evenings) when the electricity network is already busy.
Collectively we can minimise the need to upgrade electricity networks to accommodate this additional demand, by shifting EV charging to times when the network isn't as busy - overnight, usually after 10pm. That is why a smart EV charger, that lets you control the time of charging, often accessing cheaper off-peak electricity rates, is a good idea.
You can find out more about electric vehicles and further useful information on how to charge your EV and at home charging stations on the Electric Vehicles website - electricvehicles.govt.nz