Genesis has app to help Kiwi EV drivers

The EVerywhere app can save EV drivers up to 70 percent on charging. Photo: Genesis

In New Zealand first, Genesis has developed ‘energy roaming’ for electric vehicle drivers, making it cheaper and easier to charge their cars. 

EVerywhere lets EV owners use ChargeNet's 280 hubs throughout New Zealand for the same rate they pay at home. This can save drivers up to 70 percent on the cost of charging, eliminating the variability and uncertainty of public charging rates. 

EVerywhere can be accessed through Genesis’ Energy IQ app, linking to a ChargeNet account. Owners are charged at their home energy rate, regardless of whether they use a fast, rapid, or hyper-rapid charger, with the cost added to their regular power bill. 

The new approach was developed following customer research by Genesis that found EV owners experienced several pain points when it came to recharging. In addition to range anxiety, they didn’t like the expense of charging at public stations. 

Genesis’ Chief Digital Officer, Peter Kennedy, said EVerywhere was trialled over several months with 100 customers and the feedback was compelling.

“Once people had EVerywhere, they were more comfortable travelling further in their EVs,” said Kennedy. 

“In some cases, we saw pilot customers try out public charging for the first time, and for those that had used it before, they were now using it more often.”

EVerywhere could save users around 70 percent on the cost of recharging. Based on driving an average of 25-30km a day, the cost of charging an EV is about the same as paying 30c per litre for petrol. An EV can be charged overnight for about $3 per 100km, depending on the model and electricity plan. A fast charge can cost up to $10 for 100km. 

ChargeNet’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Bailey Gorst, said ChargeNet was thrilled to partner with Genesis. She understood the need to reward Genesis customers who were making the switch to EVs, and to encourage those considering making the switch, given the importance of decarbonising transport.

“ChargeNet is committed to providing and maintaining a world-class EV charging network to keep the country charging into the future, and to support New Zealand’s transition to a net zero emissions economy,” said Gorst.