Brand is subsidising charger access for accommodation providers to enhance EV use.

MOTELIERS and hoteliers here are being offered opportunity to achieve electric vehicle rechargers courtesy of the MG car brand – and though it isn’t a fully free offer, as per in Australia where the concept kicked off last year, it does look highly tasty.

The New Zealand scheme, announced today, nonetheless appears an incredibly cheap deal, as a units on offer – a 7kW single phase type and an 11kW three-phase device, that respectively retail for $2090 and $2290 – are going to brand-authorised recipients for a one-off payment of $115.

The up-front figure from successful applicants is being described as an administration fee. The only cost from thereon is for the dispensed electricity. Some EV owners commenting on social media have suggested the full RRP of the units is high.

The campaign is particularly aimed at rural accommodation providers. It is not clear how many units are specifically availed to New Zealand, as the scheme is an extension of Australia’s. In total, there are 3000 units for both countries.

MG Motors New Zealand says the aim is to boost tourism and the uptake of EVs in the country. It will doubtless be popular with EV owner groups, which often recommend providers that deliver EV charging as part of their service.

“MG firmly believes a customer should be able to travel to the same location in an Electric Vehicle as they can in a petrol-powered car,” said Peter Ciao, MG Motor Australia and New Zealand chief executive.

“Our goal is to reduce an EV owner’s range anxiety on long trips, lower vehicle emissions and increase greener ways to travel.

“The hotel subsidy programme is MG’s way of contributing to making EV normal.”

The chargers won’t only be accessible for MG drivers but any vehicle that has compatibility with the Type 2 plug standard.

MG began the scheme in Australia because the regional office is headquartered there.

Applications are open and can be made at the following website:

Charge Hub Webform | Electric for Everyone (mgelectric.co.nz)