Foodstuffs has rolled out another electric vehicles (EV) fast charger at its Pak ‘n Save supermarket on Mill Street in Hamilton, bringing its total network to 70 charging stations in 60 towns across the country.

In January, the retailer announced a plan to expand its existing network of 48 fast chargers at Pak ‘n Save and New World stores – with both sustainability and customer acquisition benefits in mind.

“Consumers are increasingly making the choice to go electric when it comes to their cars – and need a network to help make the transition,” Mike Sammons, sustainability manager at Foodstuffs New Zealand, said in a statement at the time of the announcement.

“It makes perfect sense for our supermarkets to host fast chargers which customers can use while they shop. Time is the one commodity we’re all running short of, so combining two jobs is a winner for our customers.”

The expansion is the result of a strong collaboration between Foodstuffs, ChargeNet NZ and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority.

Foodstuffs was one of the first organisations in New Zealand to take advantage of opportunities offered by the government to accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles.

The company has also invested in a fleet of 28 electric delivery vans and is in the process of buying three electric heavy logistics trucks. It has a goal for most of its light vehicle fleet to be electric by 2025.

According to Foodstuffs, there are about 15,000 electric vehicles registered in New Zealand, and they now account for more than 2 per cent of monthly car sales.