Unison and TDC to Launch Taupo’s First EV Fast-Charger

Unison and TDC to Launch Taupo's First EV Fast-Charger

6 April 2017

A partnership between Taupo District Council and lines company Unison will see Taupo'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 Taupo and Napier.

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

"Having a fast-charger in Taupo 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 Taupo district was a vision shared by the district's council.

Taupo District Council group manager operational services Kevin Strongman said he believed EVs would be part of the Taupo 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 Taupo 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 are able to be part of bringing a fast-charger to Taupo, so those people with EVs are able to travel to our district to enjoy everything we have to offer."

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.