BMW is set to further widen electric vehicle (EV) charging options in New Zealand with announcement today of a plan to install its own destination chargers across the country.
The company has established partnerships with select venues on both the North and South Islands to install Generation 3 BMW Wallbox chargers for use by both BMW customers and those whose vehicles are compatible with the charging hardware.
The first confirmed venues to offer the BMW Wallbox destination chargers are the Manawatu Golf Club in Palmerston North, the Hastings Golf Club in Bridge Pa and the Manse Luxury Lodge in Maraekakaho, Hastings.
The Park Hyatt hotel, located in Auckland’s CBD, and the renowned Millbrook Resort on New Zealand’s South Island near Arrowtown, are set to follow in due course.
Numerous additional venues will be announced later this year, with some locations set to offer up to eight BMW Wallbox chargers. Charging capacity will be up to 22kW, enabling rapid replenishment of high voltage EV batteries.
BMW New Zealand Managing Director Adam Shaver said the destination charging program was designed to enhance the infrastructure in line with the growth of EVs in New Zealand while delivering a convenient and effective solution for customers.
“We are delighted to begin the rollout of what will be an extensive network of BMW Wallbox chargers to expand the network for both BMW customers and others for their driving needs across New Zealand,” Mr. Shaver said.
“The plan is a strategic one that carefully considers the locations and nature of the venues. For example, we took into consideration that a round of golf can take a number of hours – which is the perfect time to put your car on charge and have it up to 100 per cent by the time you finish. Or, that if you’re staying overnight at one of our partnered hotels or resorts, you can charge up overnight and be ready to drive the next morning.”
Announcement of the destination charging complements other initiatives and a history of establishing charging infrastructure by BMW New Zealand.
Six years ago, BMW New Zealand collaborated with ChargeNet to create a network of DC fast charging stations to span large areas of New Zealand. At that time, the pioneering BMW i3 was one of only two fully electric vehicles on sale in the country. Today, BMW New Zealand offers five fully electric models and by later this year that number will grow to six.
Late last year BMW New Zealand also commenced a partnership with EV charge point operator JOLT to assist in the rollout of a free fast charging options across the nation.
In addition, BMW New Zealand offers a complimentary Generation 3 BMW Wallbox with the purchase of every new fully electric BMW model.
