Vector releases EV charging guide

Vector has today released a how-to guide to make it easier for tenants and residents of business, commercial and apartment buildings to switch to electric vehicles (EVs).

Vector’s Connecting Electric Vehicle Chargers guide offers best-practice advice for installing EV chargers – including ensuring chargers are compatible with a wide range of EVs now and into the future.

It also includes useful tips to help keep users of the equipment safer, keep costs down in the long-term and better protect the integrity of the building’s electricity supply.

“EV popularity continues to sky rocket, with the number of EVs on New Zealand roads almost doubling year-on-year,” said Vector’s Head of Engineering, Cristiano Marantes.

“These guidelines will help business, commercial property and apartment building owners and their residents embrace the EV wave by offering simple and easy-to-follow steps for installing EV chargers in the right way.

“By demystifying the process and making it easier for people to charge their EVs, we expect to see to see more businesses adopt them as part of their company fleet,” he said.

Vector’s guidelines are based on the principles of ‘Smart Charging’ and recommend property owners install chargers to meet local regulations and global standards. This approach ensures EV chargers are compatible with a variety of EVs and remain fit for purpose in the long-term to enable future functionality – such as vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging.

National Co-President of the Bodies Corporate Chairs' Group, Lyn Gillingham, welcomes the release of the guidelines. She said it is becoming increasingly clear that investing in EV charging facilities is essential, and will potentially enhance property resale value.

“We’re really pleased Vector has taken the lead to prepare a guide that lays out all the facts for property owners who we know are under increasing amounts of pressure to provide EV charging facilities to tenants and residents,” said Ms Gillingham.

“The key message is that installing EV charging equipment should never be done on a per car or individual basis. EVs are going to become more commonplace so property owners need to develop a comprehensive plan to install and manage EV charging in their buildings. This will save them investment costs in the long term,” said Ms Gillingham.

Vector is also calling for property owners to get in touch if they are planning on installing EV charging facilities, and to register their Smart Charger’s IP address with Vector. This ensures they have all the support they need to integrate chargers into the network in a safe and sustainable way, while opening the door to future value-add options, such as V2G charging services.

In 2019, Vector will release a separate set of guidelines designed to help all residential EV owners choose the right EV charging option for their needs.

To view the Connecting Electric Vehicle Chargers guidelines, click here.

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