Electric vehicle charging stations go live in CBD

Mighty River Power CEO Fraser Whineray at the first public electric vehicle charging station in the Auckland CBD. Photo:Ted Baghurst

The first-ever public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in the Auckland CBD have gone live.

The two charging stations in the Downtown car park are a first for Auckland Transport and can be used free-of-charge by anyone who parks in the building.

"Downtown Carpark was a natural choice with more than 2,000 vehicles through the building every day. This will make a real contribution to our work towards a cleaner, healthier Auckland," said Auckland Transport's Parking Services Manager, Russell Derecourt.

"This is another exciting step forward for EV owners in New Zealand's largest city." Mr Derecourt said.

The stations are a partnership between Mighty River Power and Auckland Transport.

Mighty River Power CEO Fraser Whineray said the charging stations would allow motorists to fuel-up free with 'home-grown' renewable electricity - a cheaper and cleaner alternative to imported fossil fuel.

"There is a compelling proposition for all of us and for New Zealand in supporting the uptake of renewable electricity as a transport fuel. It's made right here, costs less than 30 cents per litre, and takes about 2 tonnes of carbon out of the environment for every EV on the road every year."

Mr Whineray said Auckland had the highest rate of EV ownership, and public charging stations were important for consumers to be confident they can fuel-up when they need to.

"Working with organisations like Auckland Transport (AT) to install chargers in prominent parking areas is a great way to show the momentum and positive change beginning in New Zealand's transport fuel mix, making the city's air cleaner.

The charging stations are 7kW chargers, suitable for any plug-in vehicle to top up or fully charge. They are located on the ground level of the Downtown Carpark near the Customs Street exit.