Power to Mangaweka as fast charge station opens

OFFICIALLY RUNNING: Cutting the ribbon at the official opening of the charge station at Mangaweka for electric vehicles is Rangitikei District councillor Richard Aslett, left, with Mike Hay of Powerco.

Rangitikei's first fast charge station for electric vehicles is open.

The station at Mangaweka is already helping to breathe life into the historic town, say Powerco and Chargenet NZ.

The official opening was held last Friday.

Famous New Zealand poet Sam Hunt was invited to the opening but couldn't attend.

He said the charger would, surely, be brilliant for Mangaweka.

"That town has taken a few knocks. More than its fair share. So, yes, all wishes, all strength," he said.

Hunt wrote A Mangaweka Road Song, 1971, talking affectionately about a "one-pub town" that has been left all but deserted except for locals and the odd commercial traveller.

However, the Mangaweka charger, at Papa Cliff Cafe on State Highway 1, is already attracting tourists and plenty of curiosity.

Powerco acting general manager electricity Eric Pellicer said the charger was creating a lot of interest.

"And as the number of electric vehicles grows, it is sure to become a regular stopping-off place for travellers."

The charger is a key location, linking up the central North Island to a growing network that enables drivers of electric vehicles to now travel the length of the country with ease.

"Electric vehicles are undoubtedly the future of domestic transport in New Zealand. They are cheaper, cleaner and quieter to run than traditional petrol and diesel-fuelled vehicles," Mr Pellicer said.

"But one of the challenges until now has been the ability to charge them quickly, and when you are away from home. Most electric vehicles take six to eight hours to charge at a standard power point, but fast charge stations like this one can charge a vehicle in less than 25 minutes."

That's quick enough not to interrupt a long journey but long enough to stretch your legs, have a cup of coffee and explore the township, he points out.

"Transport is responsible for 44 per cent of New Zealand's carbon dioxide emissions and around 16 per cent of total greenhouse gas emissions. With 80 per cent of New Zealand's electricity supply generated from renewable resources, as a country we are in the perfect position to make a real difference," Mr Pellicer said.

"Powerco is proud to play our part in powering the future transport of New Zealand, and a positive spin-off of these fast chargers is the tourism they can bring to locations like this."

ChargeNet NZ chief operating officer Nick Smith, who was also at the opening, said: "We were pleased to receive an approach from the owners of Papa Cliff Cafe, as the site matched our proposed network map and provides great driver amenities to relax and recharge. The site adds another link to the growing charging infrastructure along State Highway 1."