- Autocharge rolled out at 'most' of ChargeNet's network.
- One-time setup and then users simply plug in to charge their car.
- Aimed at 'everyday EV drivers' says the company.
ChargeNet, New Zealand's largest provider of EV fast-charge stations, has introduced a new feature called Autocharge that enables a car to start charging as soon as it's plugged in - no fob-tap, QR-scan or phone-app required.
The company says the initial rollout of Autocharge is aimed at "everyday EV drivers" and can be enabled through the ChargeNet app once a compatible vehicle has been detected charging on the network.
The system, which ChargeNet says works at most of its DC sites (currently around 520 charge points from Cape Reinga to Bluff), is compatible only with vehicles that use the CCS (combined charging system) connector - now the default standard for full EVs and many larger-battery PHEVs in NZ. Not all CCS vehicles will be compatible, nor are other charge systems such as Chademo (as on some older Nissan Leafs).
The charge stations can recognise a compatible vehicle, and will give the customer a prompt when they plug into an Autocharge machine for the first time.
Once the user has set up the vehicle in their ChargeNet app (multiple vehicles can be added), the DC stations will recognise its unigue signature when plugged in and start charging automatically, using the customer's account.
“Autocharge makes charging on the ChargeNet network as simple as possible," says head of growth and commercial, Roberto Balzarelli. "It’s designed to remove those small friction points and make EV charging even easier."