As of 8 March 2024, six additional public EV-charging sites join the list of acquired locations. Please click here for the full list of locations.
12 February 2024 – ChargeNet adds eight new EV-charging sites to network through purchase of Vector’s Auckland charging stations.
ChargeNet Limited (ChargeNet) and Vector Limited (Vector) have announced the sale of eight of Vector’s public EV-charging sites in Auckland to ChargeNet, which will be integrated into the ChargeNet network, with additional sites expected to follow in the next month.
ChargeNet CEO Danusia Wypych says Vector began trialling the provision of public charging in 2015, the same year ChargeNet started building New Zealand’s first national charging network. “It’s a unique opportunity to integrate Vector’s successful programme into our established network. The ChargeNet and Vector teams are working closely together to provide a seamless experience for existing users,” she says.
The sale will see ChargeNet take over the operation and ownership of the Vector chargers, which includes both fast and AC chargers. These chargers will be integrated into the ChargeNet network and move to a paid usage model from the 19th of February. Customers will need to set up a ChargeNet account to use the sites if they do not already have one.
“We believe many of the current Vector charging users will already be ChargeNet customers, so it will be an easy switch. Our experience is that EV drivers are savvy when it comes to getting the most out of their charging, so some will also have ChargeNet accounts linked to their electricity provider through our partnerships with Genesis Energy, Electric Kiwi and Octopus Energy, which provide flexibility across New Zealand,” she says.
“From the 19th of February, drivers can start and monitor their sessions through the ChargeNet App, or if they already have a ChargeNet fob, they can continue to use their ChargeNet fobs. We understand that moving to a paid model for current Vector charging users will be a change, and we’re aiming to make that as smooth as possible. Ultimately, this move will allow us to make investments and improvements at popular sites, which benefits all EV drivers.”
Danusia Wypych says ChargeNet’s bid for Vector’s EV-charging network was successful as it included a commitment to work in partnership with Vector to enable a continued understanding of the energy needs of EVs and customer charging behaviour in Auckland. “We are also hoping to work with landlords on investment and improvement plans for charging sites. From the 19th of February we expect to have the sites operating on our ChargeNet app and payment platforms.
Vector Group Chief Executive Simon Mackenzie says, “We started deploying EV chargers as a trial around Auckland in 2015, with the support of our majority owner Entrust and we appreciate their forward thinking and commitment to customer solutions. We’re now pleased to be establishing an ongoing relationship with ChargeNet to continue developing our understanding of the energy needs of EVs and customer charging behaviour in Auckland, and how to meet them in the most affordable way.
“The sale is in line with Vector’s strategy to enable the lowest-cost electrification of transport. We, as the network operator, maintain the ability to monitor and dynamically respond to periods of high and low electricity demand on our network, to smooth out overall demand. This is a similar approach to how electric bus charging is enabled by Vector in Auckland currently.
“We’re happy to be transferring our chargers to ChargeNet, so that EV drivers in Auckland can continue to benefit from their customer-focused charging solutions in convenient locations across the region.”
In the last year, ChargeNet has increased its number of fast-charging points from 285 to 347 in the last 12 months and has plans to open up to 30 new sites during 2024. Sustained charging demand on the ChargeNet network over the summer has proven that the appetite for EV charging continues to grow in New Zealand, and ChargeNet is committed to making proactive investments to support that growth.
ChargeNet will continue to keep customers updated on what is changing at the sites on its website. Please visit charge.net.nz/auckland for more information.
Your questions about the transition answered
While we do not offer any discounted rates, we do have Partner Billing, where your ChargeNet account billing is managed through your preferred billing partner. Take a look at our partners https://support.charge.net.nz/support-hub/who-are-your-current-billing-partners.
If you require further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at 0800 224 274 or drop us a message via our Contact page. All ChargeNet stations are backed by 24/7 customer support, so any issues you face can be quickly resolved via the ChargeNet customer support line.
We’re committed to the ongoing investment in the public EV charging network and ensuring a positive outcome for all EV drivers. The transition to ChargeNet’s paid model comes with its benefits. It enables the necessary investments to operate and maintain the stations, which will ensure that they can effectively serve the growing number of EV drivers in Auckland. We want to encourage efficient and fairer utilisation of the charging sites that will ease congestion and help improve the customer experience. By integrating them into the ChargeNet network and adopting a paid usage model, EV drivers in Auckland can expect fair utilisation and turnover of charging points. It’s key to an enhanced and considerate charging experience for all users.
As a dedicated EV charging provider, ChargeNet will operate these chargers in a similar way to the other chargers on our network, with competitive pricing, on-call support and regular servicing. The practical considerations of operating these chargers necessitate a shift towards a paid usage model in a competitive market. This transition facilitates growth, the expansion of charging points, and equitable utilisation.
Creating a ChargeNet account is simple, free and takes just a few minutes. Once you’ve signed up, you’ll be able to access the rapid charging network instantly and enjoy easy billing and payment.
To create your account click the ‘Sign Up’ button, enter your details, add your credit or debit card, and you’re ready to hit the road. Within your account, you can start a charging session, monitor your usage, and download your invoices.
From the 19 February 2024 you will need to have an account with ChargeNet to use these sites. Creating a ChargeNet account is simple, free and takes just a few minutes. Once you’ve signed up, you’ll be able to access the rapid charging network instantly and enjoy easy billing and payment. This also means that you will have access to around the clock support if you need any further assistance.
Only the chargers named in the announcement will transfer to ChargeNet ownership at this time. A small number of other Vector chargers not named in the announcement may transfer to ChargeNet in late February or March. There will be clear signage on all chargers which are transferring to ChargeNet, both those transferring now and in future date. For any remaining Vector chargers not transferring to ChargeNet, these will continue to operate to operate in the short term while alternative arrangements are made. Please visit the page below to understand which sites are joining the ChargeNet network.
https://charge.net.nz/article/chargenet-purchases-vectors-auckland-sites/
With a nationwide EV charging network and more than eight years experience, ChargeNet is New Zealand’s leading provider of EV charging solutions.
We’re committed to driving New Zealand’s electric vehicle future with a network of reliable and accessible rapid and hyper-rapid charging stations nationwide.
You can learn more about our organisation here: https://charge.net.nz/about/
ChargeNet will be assessing potential upgrades to these sites. Initially, we will be upgrading existing AC chargers to newer hardware.
If you’re already a ChargeNet account holder, you’ll now have access to 12 additional charging points, featuring both fast and AC chargers across Auckland from 19 February 2024.
