Springs Junction, New Zealand – Electric vehicle drivers traveling the crucial route between Christchurch and Nelson in New Zealand’s South Island can now benefit from a newly launched, innovative charging station at Springs Junction. Meridian Energy has tackled the unique challenges of this remote location to provide a vital link in the region’s EV charging network.
Battery Storage Overcomes Remote Power Constraints
The project, taking approximately two years to realize, required unconventional thinking due to the limited and inconsistent electricity supply at Springs Junction. As Meridian Principal Product Manager, Tim Calder, explained, the local network’s capacity is severely restricted for most of the day, offering only about 4kW – insufficient for EV charging. However, the availability of greater capacity overnight sparked a creative solution: utilizing Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) units.
Meridian’s Zero brand EV chargers at Springs Junction are supported by three 120kWh BESS units, ingeniously using repurposed Nissan Leaf batteries. These units charge during off-peak hours (11 pm to 4 am) when the local network has surplus capacity and then discharge power to the EV chargers throughout the day.
Real-Time Availability for Informed Charging Decisions
Recognizing that charging availability cannot be guaranteed like at typical sites, Meridian has launched a dedicated webpage (zerocharging.co.nz/SJ). This resource provides drivers with up-to-the-minute information, updated every five minutes, on the available kWh within the BESS units. This transparency allows EV owners to make informed decisions about whether to charge at Springs Junction or choose an alternative route.
“We’re urging drivers to only take what they need while there are limited kilowatts available. This is a long way from a normal EV charging set-up, but it’s a great example of Kiwi ingenuity and doing what’s needed to get the job done for our customers,” said Tim Calder. He also acknowledged the project’s extended timeline and the team’s efforts in overcoming challenges, expressing gratitude for the community’s patience.
Part of a Broader Initiative for South Island EV Infrastructure
The Springs Junction charging site is a key component of Meridian’s wider strategy to enhance EV travel across the South Island by addressing infrastructure gaps in remote areas. This initiative received co-funding from the EECA Low Emissions Transport Fund (LETF) in 2022 for sites at Kohatu and Springs Junction (now completed), as well as Haast, Harihari (moved to Whataroa), and St Arnaud, all expected to be operational by 2025.
