A new initiative providing electric car
drivers with real-time information about where they can find reliable charging
stations around the country was launched by Associate Transport Minister Ms
Julie Anne Genter.
According to the announcement
made by the New Zealand
Government, EVRoam
is a live database, which is being collated by the NZ Transport Agency from real-time
data being fed directly from all safe and monitored public charge points and charging
station operators such as Chargenet and Vector.
From there, EVRoam would then freely
distribute this information as widely as possible. It can be through to dozens
of other websites and applications in order to inform drivers with reliable
data on charging stations through all available channels.
Associate Minister of Transport Ms Julie
Anne Genter explained that this initiative was about providing people with the
practical tools to confidently drive and electric car all over the country and
to remain reassured that they have the power to go the distance.
An important function of EVRoam is letting
the drivers know if a charging station is active and available for use. This
would assist the drivers in planning their journeys.
Moreover, EVRoam only identifies reliable
charging station that meet government guidelines which will reassure drivers
and make them feel more secure. Government guidelines include having a
consistent plug type and being monitored.
For access to the real-time data, it will
be made available on the Agency’s journey planner website. It can also be
viewed at other third party platforms such as Google Maps, TomTom and the
Automobile Association’s website.
As of current, there are 117 active rapid
charging stations found nationwide. Add to that count, are 19 more that are
under construction, and 42 planned sites.
On average, the country now has an electric
vehicle rapid charging stations every 75kms on almost 80% of the state highway
network. This is considered quite an achievement.
Ms Genter concluded that initiatives like
this are part of the Government’s commitment to making sustainable transport an
easy option for all New Zealanders.