As our electric vehicle fleet expands so too are public charging stations with hardware store chain, Mitre 10, partnering with Jolt network.

With the likes of ChargeNet and Vector strong players in the electric vehicle fast-charging sector, and more malls and stores such as the Warehouse adding chargers, it makes it easier for EV owners to get an energy boost in their vehicles.

Now, Mitre 10 and Jolt have unveiled the first of over 30 electric vehicle fast-charging stations outside the Mitre 10 Ponsonby store on Richmond Road, Auckland. 

At the unveiled at Mitre 10’s Ponsonby store was Hon Michael Wood, Minister of Transport, who spoke about the Government’s National Charging Plan.

The Ponsonby installation represents the first step in both organisations’ national EV charging networks which will roll out over the next three years.

Using the Jolt network EV drivers can receive 7kWh of fast free charging every 24 hours, providing 40-50km of range.

Jolt is a free, fast electric vehicle charging network company, initially founded in Sydney. 

Both Mitre 10 and Jolt have plans to extend their charging networks further across the country. Mitre 10 will install charging stations at all stores not covered within the Jolt partnership, while Jolt has plans for hundreds of chargers to be rolled out in urban and destination areas across New Zealand.

Mitre 10 Chief Legal & Property Officer, Grant Fraser, says the decision to install charging stations at all Mitre 10 stores was driven by a desire to support regional customers and city dwellers.

“We’re invested in our communities right across the country. Bringing EV charging stations to all Mitre 10 stores is another way we’re working to help our customers live more sustainably, especially given driving distances to stores in regional New Zealand are often greater than in metro areas.

“We’re really pleased to be the first retail partner for Jolt’s entry into the New Zealand market, and we’re grateful for the investment Jolt is making in helping us support our customers,” says Fraser.

Jolt CEO, Doug McNamee says: “We are excited to bring Jolt to New Zealand. The largest barriers to EV ownership are cost, range anxiety and access to charging infrastructure - our network is designed to alleviate all three. We want to continue collaborating with brands like Mitre 10 and with like-minded partners to create a large and leading EV charging network that provides the best charging experience at an affordable price for all EV drivers in New Zealand.”