A Christchurch-based company, Evnex, is experiencing rapid growth amid a surge in electric vehicle (EV) sales driven in part by rising fuel prices and geopolitical tensions. Founded by Ed Harvey, Evnex has recently sold its 20,000th smart EV charger, marking a remarkable acceleration from its first 10,000 sales, which took 13 years, to the next 10,000 in just nine months.
The company attributes the surge in demand to a shift in consumer attitudes influenced by recent increases in petrol and diesel prices, linked to global instability such as the conflict in Iran. While some question whether this spike is temporary, Harvey believes there has been a lasting change in mindset among consumers. “There’s been a shift from environmental factors to the economic,” he said, noting that concerns about energy security and high fuel costs are now front of mind for many buyers. He projects that while demand may stabilize, it will do so at a higher baseline than before.
Evnex’s smart chargers are primarily exported, with about 70% of sales going overseas, particularly to Australia. Collectively, these chargers have delivered over 75 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity to New Zealand and Australian EVs, equating to roughly 450 million kilometres of driving and displacing more than 30 million litres of petrol, thereby avoiding around 80,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.
The company has increased its workforce by one-third this year to 48 employees and has expanded its operations by leasing an additional building in Christchurch. Beyond vehicle charging, Evnex is positioning itself to benefit from broader electrification trends involving homes and businesses. The company is involved in pioneering technologies such as “vehicle-to-home” and “vehicle-to-grid,” which allow EV batteries to power households or supply energy back to the grid during peak demand periods. New Zealand’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) and energy retailer Genesis are currently trialing these technologies in Auckland.
Evnex’s chargers incorporate sophisticated features like smart scheduling to prioritise off-peak electricity use and integration with solar power systems. A smartphone app provides customers data on their EV’s charging source, distinguishing between renewable and coal-fired electricity. Charging speeds also outpace standard household outlets: the company’s 7.4 kW charger delivers about 50 km of range per hour of charging, while the 22 kW model can provide roughly 120 km per hour, depending on the vehicle.
Cost advantages are notable; charging an EV at home through Evnex’s network averages around NZ$380 annually, compared to approximately NZ$2,744 per year for petrol vehicles, based on company data from nearly 10,000 chargers.
Strategic partnerships are expanding Evnex’s market presence. In July, Toyota New Zealand and Lexus appointed Evnex as their official smart home EV charger supplier. This aligns with Toyota’s growing electric and plug-in hybrid lineup, including the new fully electric Hilux ute and bZ4X SUV. Toyota’s chief executive Tatsuya Ishikawa cited Evnex’s nationwide installation network, local manufacturing, and sustainable credentials as factors in the decision.
Evnex also partners with Z Energy, particularly through Z’s retail arm Flick Electric, which offers smart chargers on interest-free terms as part of its home EV plans.
Manufacturing remains firmly rooted in Christchurch, with all design, assembly, and sourcing of components conducted locally. Harvey emphasizes that local production ensures supply chain resilience amid ongoing global disruptions and allows for operational agility. This approach, combined with sleek designs and competitive pricing, contributes to the company’s strong reputation.
Looking ahead, Evnex plans to enhance its software offerings further. Its app currently helps customers optimise their electricity plans and offers insights on cost-saving opportunities, signaling a move toward integrating charging solutions with wider energy management.