Expanding the charging network

Bmw Partners With Ev Charge Point Operator Jolt To Help Expand Charging Options Across New Zealand

BMW has commenced a new partnership with EV charge point operator Jolt that will contribute to the rollout of a free fast charging network in New Zealand and thereby expand the availability of charging points to a growing number of electrified drivers in the country.

New Zealand represents the latest addition to countries where Australiabased Jolt has a presence with its charging point locations, following establishment in its homeland, as well as in the US and Canada.

Jolt is commencing a rollout of 25-50kW DC fast charging stations, with the first unit established in Auckland and plans in place to deploy hundreds more charging points across the nation, continuing with installations in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch next year.

Energy powering the Jolt network puts the priority on renewable sources, with 100 per cent of the electricity feeding the chargers independently certified. This approach complements Jolt’s global commitment to accelerate the shift to a zero emissions future.

Jolt offers complimentary charging up to 7kWh to all EV drivers every 24 hours, which equates to approximately 45km of range, at all its charging points. Chargers will be in a variety of locations to maximise convenience and will be available to all electrified vehicle owners — both those with a plug-in hybrid vehicle or a fully electric vehicle — who are registered with a Jolt account.

Adam Shaver, Managing Director of BMW Group New Zealand, said the new partnership would deliver a host of benefits for customers across the North and South Islands while taking further important steps to achieving strategic sustainability objectives.

“New Zealand is the leading market in the Asia Pacific region for sales of electrified BMW vehicles in the overall model mix, which means new charging solutions for our country are not only welcome — they’re highly important,” Mr. Shaver said.

“Our progressive new partnership with a forward-thinking company like Jolt plays an important role in expanding New Zealand’s EV infrastructure to meet rapidly increasing demand.

Jolt New Zealand Sales Director Henry Rowley shared his excitement about the new association, stating that BMW becoming Jolt’s automotive category-exclusive advertising launch partner would lead to clear customer benefits in the future.

“We have been working hard in the background and we are just at the beginning of our journey in New Zealand,” Mr Rowley said. “It is still early days for us but we have been overwhelmed by the support as we develop our infrastructure across the country. We are excited to equip BMW with the ability to reach its audiences in a more effective yet sustainable way which will only get stronger with the growth of our network.”