District’s first vehicle charger now operating

Wanaka's first rapid DC electric vehicle charger was connected by ChargeNet on Monday, enabling electric vehicle owners to charge their cars in around 10 to 30 minutes, at least 12 times faster than what they could at their own homes.

ChargeNet stated it would cost 25c per minute of charging as well as 25c per kilowatt, probably adding up to less than $10 per charge, depending on the vehicle.

It is the first such charger in the Queenstown Lakes district. Another is under construction in Frankton, and others are expected later in the year, in Tarras and Cromwell. Wanaka EV Club co-ordinator Morgan Knoesen said another one is close to being installed in Cardrona, at Benny's Cafe.