How JW Group and Z Energy are progressing the transition to electric buses

For JW Group, its mission goes beyond just selling electric buses - it’s about helping to provide more sustainable transport solutions for New Zealand.

Since 2017, the bus and coach service company has been collaborating with Z Energy (Z) for its energy needs. Initially focused on diesel vehicles, the company took a significant step in 2020 by venturing into the electric bus market.

As the company expanded its electric offering into electric buses, it found itself increasingly using Z’s growing EV infrastructure. With facilities in Christchurch and Auckland, the bus service provider recognised that installing fast-charging infrastructure at its own sites would be cost-prohibitive. Fortunately, Z’s charging stations located near JW Group’s operational and maintenance facilities, provided a reliable and convenient solution.

One of the challenges faced in transitioning to electric was the size of the batteries in electric buses, meaning charging times can be lengthy compared to smaller electric vehicles. While standard 50kW chargers are sufficient for these smaller cars, buses require more powerful chargers to avoid extended downtime. Fortunately, Z is expanding its network of higher-capacity chargers, with over 40 sites now offering a quicker charging experience.

Transporting its buses from its import base in Auckland to other regions of New Zealand has also presented challenges for JW Group, with the lack of high-capacity chargers initially requiring long charging stops with slower chargers. Through Z’s expanding network of fast chargers, the process has become more efficient, enabling smoother long-distance deliveries.

As part of ongoing efforts to support the needs of business EV customers, Z has been working to provide an improved billing solution for customers through its Business Charge Tags offering. The solution is designed to provide EV customers with a more integrated offering, by consolidating charging transactions on Z’s public network onto a simple monthly bill.

Through its relationship with Z, the bus company has been able to streamline its operations. Z’s improved payment systems and the management of diesel and EV accounts in one place has made the reconciliation process easier, while Z’s ongoing expansion of EV charging infrastructure supports the company’s transition to electric.

The partnership between Z and JW Group exemplifies how EV charging infrastructure can support businesses in their electrification journeys, and Z’s commitment to supporting their customers business needs.