Foodstuffs NZ wins funding to boost electric vehicles

Foodstuffs has been successful in the latest round of government funding that drives the expansion of electric vehicles (EV) capability.

The kiwi company already hosts 48 fast-charge electric EV stations at New World and PAK’nSAVE supermarkets throughout New Zealand. It also has 28 electric delivery vans. But it will now roll out another 16 fast chargers and four electric heavy-logistics trucks.

Foodstuffs was one of the first organisations to draw on the government’s Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund to accelerate the update of EVs.

‘A New Zealand first’

Sustainability Manager at Foodstuffs New Zealand Mike Sammons said: “Going electric is part of our bid to reduce our environmental footprint. In a New Zealand first, product deliveries to selected stores will be now be made by four new Isuzu electric trucks in Auckland and Christchurch.

“The two six-tonne and two 11-tonne trucks follow the successful trial of 28 full electric delivery vans already deployed. These have clocked up more than 200,000km and saved 37 tonnes of CO2.

“The government fund, administered by EECA, plays an important role in helping business get into carbon-reducing technology and proving the case for more widespread adoption.

“The co-funding has supported our partnership with Blackwells Isuzu and SEA Electric for our trucks. And our long-term collaboration with Charge Net NZ for our store-based chargers.”

Customers choosing electric

Customers at New World, PAK’nSAVE and Four Square can already fast-charge their vehicles when shopping at 48 stores. But Foodstuffs wanted to expand the network. So the company will add four new sites in the South Island and 12 in the North Island, taking the total to 64.

“Consumers are increasingly making the choice to go electric when it comes to their cars,” Mr Sammons said. “And we need a network to help make the transition.

“It makes perfect sense for our supermarkets to host fast chargers that customers can use while they shop.”