Welcoming our first EV charger
20 October 2025
Owners previously approved and funded a levy to investigate EV charging options, responding to growing resident demand and buyer expectations.
After reviewing multiple providers and falling equipment costs, the Body Corporate has installed a 22kW AC charger managed by Thundergrid.
The charger is located between 144 and 148 Howe St and is for residents and visitors only (not public use).
Residents pay NZ$0.34 per kWh via the Thundergrid app; visitors pay NZ$0.50 per kWh on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Users must download the Thundergrid app, register an account, and supply their own Type 1 or Type 2 charging cable.
There are two vehicle parks in front of the charger, for the sole use of EVs that are charging. A maximum three hour time limit applies to EV charging between 7am and 10pm to ensure fair access; overnight EV charging is unrestricted.
Reminder: EV charging from domestic power points is prohibited due to infrastructure limitations.
At the AGM two years ago, owners agreed to raise a levy to investigate options for installing electric-vehicle (EV) charging at Freemans Park. That levy was collected in 2024 but was not spent.
EV charging is something owners have increasingly raised as something they want to see addressed and feedback from real estate agents is that EV charging is something prospective purchasers are looking to see available.
Since 2023, the Body Corporate has spent considerable time investigating options with several EV-charging providers. During that time, equipment and installation costs – particularly for DC fast chargers – have reduced significantly.
As a first practical step, the Body Corporate has now installed a 22 kW AC charger, managed by Thundergrid. This installation was funded by the levy raised to investigate EV charging and provides a convenient starting point for residents and visitors. It also allows us to gain experience while considering future expansion options as EV adoption grows.
Using the new charger
The charger is located in the car park between 144 and 148 Howe St, and is available for residents and visitors now (it is not for public use).
Residents who register with Thundergrid pay NZ$0.34 per kWh (incl GST).
Visitors can charge on a pay-as-you-go basis using a credit card at NZ$0.50 per kWh, reflecting the shared cost of providing the facility.
To use the charger, download the Thundergrid App from the Apple App Store or Google Play and create an account. Thundergrid’s helpdesk (0800 387 877 or info@thundergrid.net) can assist if needed.
You will need your own charging cable (Type 1 or Type 2, depending on your vehicle). Thundergrid can supply cables if required.
Thunderbird’s app guide is attached.
There are two EV parks in front of the charger that are for the sole use of an EV which is charging. To ensure everyone has access to the charger, we ask that EVs only charge for a maximum of three hours between 7am and 10pm (there is no time restriction for EV charging overnight).
The chargers are first come, first served but there is potential to introduce a booking system later, if we need.
You can see the charger’s status in the Thundergrid app.
Creating your Thundergrid account
Thundergrid adopts a user-pays model. So, if you want to use the commonly owned charger, you will need to create an account. Once set up, every time you charge, it will record the session and electricity consumed on your own account. You only pay for what you use.
First download the Thundergrid app:
Register your account by clicking ‘Sign In’ then create your account.
Select ‘Pay As You Go’.
Enter your details (name, contact, address).
Please contact Thundergrid afterwards so we can invite you to this private charger location and you can find it on your personal map in your app.
If you want to charge immediately, please ring the friendly helpdesk on 0800 387 877.
If it's not urgent and you plan to charge within the next week, simply contact Thundergird via email at info@thundergrid.net.
You can also raise a ticket in the app under Account/Helpdesk/greenPlus.
You can request a unique RFID/key fob to authenticate your charge sessions as an alternative to using the app to start and stop a charging session! Just toggle ‘Request RFID’ while creating your account.
Important safety reminder
The electrical infrastructure at Freemans Park is not suitable for charging an EV from a domestic power point, and using an extension lead from a power unit is not permitted. Please use the dedicated EV charger only.