BMW and Porsche open destination charging across NZ

Porsche has set up Destination Charging at the likes of Formosa Golf club. Photos: Porsche

BMW is joining the likes of Porsche by introducing destination chargers at venues such as golf clubs and hotels around New Zealand.

Porsche NZ announced last month that its first batch of Destination Charging locations have been installed and are available now for its customers who are guests of the hotel or members of the Golf Club to use free of charge. 

The QT Auckland has been installed with four 11kW AC chargers and the Rydges Formosa Golf Resort Auckland has two higher-powered 22kW AC chargers.

BMW NZ has also established partnerships with select venues on both the North and South Islands to install Generation 3 BMW Wallbox chargers for use by both BMW customers and those whose vehicles are compatible with the charging hardware. 

The first confirmed venues to offer the BMW Wallbox destination chargers are the Manawatu Golf Club in Palmerston North, the Hastings Golf Club in Bridge Pa and the Manse Luxury Lodge in Maraekakaho, Hastings. 

Auckland’s QT Hotel has charging for Porsche owners.

The Park Hyatt hotel, located in Auckland’s CBD, and the renowned Millbrook Resort on New Zealand’s South Island near Arrowtown, are set to follow in due course. 

Numerous additional venues will be announced later this year, with some locations set to offer up to eight BMW Wallbox chargers. Charging capacity will be up to 22kW, enabling rapid replenishment of high-voltage EV batteries. 

BMW New Zealand Managing Director Adam Shaver said the destination charging program was designed to enhance the infrastructure in line with the growth of EVs in New Zealand while delivering a convenient and effective solution for customers. 

“We are delighted to begin the rollout of what will be an extensive network of BMW Wallbox chargers to expand the network for both BMW customers and others for their driving needs across New Zealand,” said Shaver. 

Greg Clarke, General Manager of Porsche NZ, said the company was excited to launch the first batch of Destination Charging Locations across the country, and “we look forward to seeing the network grow”.

“We know our customers are busy people, so we are focusing on selecting destinations where people spend extended periods of time. Destination Charging offers our customers an opportunity recharge their electric vehicle in a fast and convenient way.”