Purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) is often the easy part, but many people soon realize that the real challenge is the EV charger. The problem lies in figuring out how, when and where to charge their EV in their daily operations. This was the case for Environment Network Manawatū (ENM). They faced difficulties with charging their new electric van, crucial for their community-driven projects. Fortunately, Hertz and Thundergrid stepped in. Together they provide a much-needed solution by donating an EV charger from Hertz’s updated network.
Community Organisation Goes Electric
Thanks to a grant from Te Puna Tahua – Lottery Grants Board, ENM was able to purchase a van. It was intended to support various community food resilience initiatives across the region. The van, designed to be shared among several groups, was a major step forward for the organisation in its effort to reduce its environmental impact. “We deliberately chose an EV model as part of our commitment to reducing carbon emissions in our community,” says Daniel Morrimire, Coordinator of the Manawatū Food Action Network (MFAN), one of the groups under ENM’s umbrella.
How to Charge the New EV?
While the decision to go electric was in line with ENM’s sustainability goals, it presented new challenges. Especially their heavy-duty tasks, like transporting trailer loads of compost needed to be solved. “Towing a trailer full of compost can quickly drain an EV’s battery,” explains Daniel. The team quickly realized that using a fast charger was the only viable solution to prevent delays in their work. However, fast chargers are typically more expensive than regular chargers. They also require staff to oversee the charging process or leave the vehicle overnight to recharge. That’s where Hertz and Thundergrid came in.
Donation to Support Sustainable Community Work
Hertz New Zealand, aware of the challenges ENM was facing with their new electric van, decided to donate a charger from their network. They partnered with Thundergrid, experts in smart EV charging. They provided the necessary guidance and installation to ensure the charger was set up and ready to use. “We are incredibly grateful to Hertz and Thundergrid for their generosity,” says ENM. “Thanks to their support, we now have a modern EV charger installed. And we can keep our work running smoothly!”
The charger is installed at the Christian Community Church, where the shared van is parked when not in use. This allows ENM and their partners to easily charge the vehicle after each use. This ensures it’s ready for the next round of community work.
A Community Bonus
The benefits of the new EV charger extend beyond ENM. “We hope this charger will also serve the wider community. It should allow local residents to charge their own electric vehicles at this location,” says Daniel. “By increasing access to charging infrastructure, we hope to encourage more people to make the switch to electric vehicles. This could significantly reduce transport emissions in our region.”
Even a standard AC charger would still offer a significant improvement over traditional granny charging. It would increase charging speed by up to five times compared to using a standard three-pin plug.
The Impact of ENM’s Work
ENM’s mission is to connect and inspire communities to take environmental action. Through its various initiatives, the organisation addresses a range of critical issues such as food security, food sovereignty, local food production, and sustainable practices. Projects like MFAN and partnerships with groups such as Just Zilch and RECAP (The Society for the Resilience and Engagement of the Communities of Ashhurst and Pohangina) are central to building a more resilient, sustainable community.
With the addition of the EV charger, ENM is now better equipped to continue their vital work, ensuring that sustainable transport remains an accessible and practical option for all.
A big thank you to Hertz for their generous contribution to a greener future!
Find out more about our food resilience work at www.enm.org.nz or follow them on Facebook @manawatufoodaction