BMW has partnered with EV charge point operator Jolt to contribute to the rollout of a New Zealand fast charging network.
Jolt is rolling out 25-50kW DC fast charging stations, with the first unit established in Auckland.
It plans to deploy hundreds more charging points across the country, continuing with installations in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch this year.
Energy powering the Jolt network puts priority on renewable sources, with 100% of the electricity feeding the chargers independently certified, complementing 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 about 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.
BMW Group New Zealand managing director Adam Shaver says the partnership will 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,” he says.
“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.
“It also complements the BMW Group’s all-encompassing sustainability initiatives on our way to becoming a carbon neutral business by 2050 – the same year as New Zealand itself.”
Jolt New Zealand sales director Henry Rowley says BMW becoming Jolt’s automotive category-exclusive advertising launch partner will lead to clear customer benefits in the future.
“It is still early days for us but we have been overwhelmed by the support as we develop our infrastructure across the country,” he adds.
“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.”
BMW New Zealand offers seven electrified models in its portfolio, comprising both battery electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles.
Sales of electrified BMW and Mini models in New Zealand have seen impressive growth in 2022, with a 134% increase in registrations for the former, and an 86% uplift for the latter.
Australia-based Jolt is also in the US and Canada.
