The following media release comes from Horizon Energy.
Whakatāne is to see its first electric vehicle charging station thanks to the initiative of Horizon Energy with the cooperation and support of the Whakatāne District Council.
With Electric vehicles becoming more popular in the region, Horizon Energy identified the need to install a fast Electric Vehicle Charger in the Whakatāne CBD and is now working with Council to get the charging station operational.
Derek Caudwell (General Manager Network) of Horizon Energy says that recent advances in electric vehicle technology have seen the lifecycle costs of electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles reduce significantly, and it is expected their use will grow dramatically in years to come. “We see the new charging station as not only putting Whakatāne on the New Zealand electric vehicle map,” he says, “but also promoting the use of electric vehicles (which benefits the environment) and encouraging those with electric vehicles to visit the District.”
A site has been identified in consultation with Council outside the Visitor Information Centre in Quay Street. It offers good access to the public by way of parking, ease of access, shopping and entertainment while charging is taking place, as well as ease of connection to the existing power supply.
Electric vehicles produce 80% less CO2 emissions than fossil fuel powered vehicles, and also offer considerable running cost savings. As part of National Drive Electric Week 2016 from 10-18 September, people are being encouraged to find out more about the benefits and potential of electric vehicles.