Urban two-way EV charging trial

About the EV charging trial 

This urban trial will build on EECA’s two-way (bi-directional) charging trial currently underway in Queenstown. It will expand the range of use cases, technologies, and user scenarios tested, including different fleet types, commuting patterns, charging environments, vehicle and charger models, and approaches to consumer engagement.  

EECA is seeking a supplier to deliver a trial of up to 100 light vehicle chargers (and potentially up to 5 heavy vehicle chargers). The trial may be implemented across one or more urban locations in New Zealand to capture a diversity of network conditions and user behaviors. 

The trial will be delivered in two main phases: 

• Design and discovery — working with EECA to refine the trial scope, approach, and alignment with existing V2X work. 
• Delivery — implementing the trial and ensuring robust insights are gained and shared.  

Who should respond

EECA is looking for a supplier that: 

• has relevant experience delivering complex electrical projects and a strong understanding of bi-directional charging technology 
• can develop a clear end-to-end approach to planning, design, and delivery 
• will work collaboratively with EECA and other relevant stakeholders to shape and refine the trial 
• identifies and mitigates risks effectively 
• delivers a fit-for-purpose trial, collecting high-quality insights.  

Benefits to New Zealand’s energy system 

V2X technology enables electric vehicles to both draw electricity from the grid and supply electricity from the vehicle to a home, building, or the wider electricity network. For New Zealand, it represents an important tool for supporting an affordable, resilient and renewable-powered energy system. V2X chargers allow electric vehicles to act as flexible storage, helping lower peak demand and reducing strain on transmission and distribution networks. This supports grid stability and can defer or reduce the need for costly network upgrades.  

As EV uptake grows, V2X chargers could unlock stronger resilience and long-term energy security. Exploring the benefits, opportunities, and challenges from deploying bidirectional charging supports EECA’s broader interest in promoting flexible use of New Zealand's electricity resources.