Kiwi electric vehicle owners are now able to charge their cars for free at five Countdown supermarkets in Waikato, including Countdown Hamilton, Bridge Street, Claudelands, St James and Huntly.
The charging stations are compatible with any electric vehicle, and will charge from low to 80 per cent battery capacity in around 20 minutes.
“Last year we set ourselves 20 ambitious corporate social responsibility targets out to 2020,” Countdown general manager corporate affairs and sustainability Kiri Hannifin said.
“With regard our commitments to the planet, we’ve identified we want to reduce our carbon emissions and know electric vehicles are the way of the future. We are delighted to take our first steps in this part of our journey.”
Hannifin noted that Countdown already offers a charging station at the business’s support office and has received a $300,000 grant from the Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority to convert its chilled online delivery vehicles to electric power.
These electric delivery vehicles will eliminate approximately 135,000kg of CO2 emissions annually, according to Countdown.
In order to facilitate these initiatives, Countdown has partnered with power provider WEL Networks, increasing WEL’s network of chargers across the region to 20.
“Not only is the Waikato one of New Zealand’s fastest growing regions, but increasingly we’re seeing the uptake of electric vehicles in our communities, because users find them cheaper to run, quieter, more efficient and environmentally friendly,” WEL Networks asset management general manager Paul Blue said.
“By investing in technology and assets now, and working in partnership with organisations like Countdown, we’ll be able to meet the increasing demand for EVs.”
