The future just got a little more electric for the Kāpiti Coast

The Kāpiti Coast will soon be home to five new electric vehicle charging stations with thanks to a successful funding bid to the Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority (EECA).

The project is a trans-regional partnership between the Kāpiti Coast District Council, Horowhenua District Council, Electra Ltd, and ChargeNet NZ. It will ensure that nine fast-charging stations are installed in five strategic towns throughout Kāpiti and Horowhenua, including two in Paraparaumu and one each in Paekākāriki, Raumati Beach, and Waikanae Beach.

Kāpiti Coast District Deputy Mayor Janet Holborow is thrilled with the $245,000 EECA contribution that was announced by Minister of Energy and Resources the Hon Dr Megan Woods this morning.

“This is a really exciting step forward in terms of making the move to sustainable transport. This is great news for local businesses as well as supporting a national shift for low-carbon transport options.”

Councillor Holborow says that the project also supports the government reach its target of having 64,000 electric vehicles on New Zealand roads by 2021.

“Having more charging facilities in the Kāpiti and Horowhenua Districts, makes switching from petrol to electric more accessible to residents and businesses in Kāpiti and the Lower North Island. More charging stations along the Kāpiti Coast and through Horowhenua will also strengthen the routes, enabling higher electric vehicle capacity on the roads, with reduced queues and wait times for the chargers available.”

The charging stations are expected to be installed by the end of the 2018-19 financial year.