Electric vehicle owners can now access a guide about how to buy an efficient and smart home charger.
EECA commissioned Standards New Zealand to develop the freely available guide (Publicly Available Specification) to support the uptake of electric vehicles and help future-proof the charging network.
Strategy GM Dr Marcos Pelenur says the guide outlines the types of EV chargers best suited for residential use and provides questions to ask when buying a charger. Dr Pelenur says there are more than 17,000 residential based electric vehicles in New Zealand and it’s important consumers have access to quality advice.
"Most electric vehicles are only sold with a portable back-up charger. A dedicated home charger is safer for home use and can cost less to use. It also gives you more flexibility around how you use power and manage energy costs."
He says the guide also includes a technical specification to lay out the requirements a good home charger should meet.
"By ensuring residential EV chargers are safe to use and able to be communicated with remotely, we will help create a national residential charging network that is future-proofed and flexible."
Standards New Zealand Senior Standards Project Manager, Chris Forsman, says they are pleased to support EECA in its drive towards emerging technologies and agrees that 'smart' EV Chargers, will play a significant role in New Zealand’s electrically connected future.
Key points from the guide
- Stay safe: A dedicated home charger is both safer for home use and energy efficient.
- Smarter charging: A smart charger can receive a signal from your electricity supplier to charge when costs to you are lowest.
- Get greater flexibility: In future, you’ll be able to enjoy better flexibility and the potential to lower your energy cost using smart devices like your EV smart charger. Take your first step towards a demand flexible home energy ecosystem.