Meridian is an energy company that is focused on using power to make a difference, generating electricity from 100% only renewable sources. As a leader in ‘good energy’, they wanted help to design sustainable and robust electric vehicle (EV) charging sites that represent Meridian while embodying the future of EV network technology.

The vision was to set the standard for both appearance and functionality, while emphasising sustainability, durability in varying weather and geographical conditions, and safety. These charging sites needed to not only be clearly visible in busy urban areas, but also user friendly, making them a preferred choice for EV users.

The collaboration between DE Group and Meridian was built on a strong foundation of trust, stemming from a decade-long relationship in exhibitions and events. This project, however, presented new challenges in design, manufacturing, and project management.

Working closely with Meridian’s EV Development team, we embarked on a thorough research phase to understand the existing market for EV chargers. This research informed the design process, which aimed to offer something unique while ensuring optimal customer experience and alignment with Meridian’s brand position.

1. Phase 1: Design and development of the EV blade housing.
2. Phase 2: Expansion to include weather protection and lighting for customers at the charging sites.
3. Phase 3: Creation of standalone EV charging environments, offering an experience akin to a traditional gas station.

The project began with Phase 1, focusing on designing the initial blade, which would house the charger. DE Group Design Lead, Edward Fuller explains the design process: “Initial concepts started with the idea that the blade and charger had literally grown out of the ground as one, organically, but with a final form that reflected the iconography of the Meridian logo and colour palette.”

Practical requirements also needed to be accommodated, from the need for a common structure and footplate for fitting several different potential charger units, through to the requirement for a kitset construction that can be built in any location from an exposed seaside location, to an urban locale up against a wall.

“The final design visually integrates the charger and the blade as a single unit, and not just a branded backboard for a plug in interface”, says Edward.

The iterative design process involved rigorous testing and prototyping to ensure that the blades functioned seamlessly with the chargers and provided a positive, streamlined customer experience for users.

Meridian themselves were developing the app interface for customers to log into or sign up to, to be able to use the chargers. The ongoing evolution of EV technology has necessitated continuous updates to the blades, which DE Group and Meridian continue to develop together.

The project, since named the Zero Charging, has set a new benchmark for EV charging station design and is now the country’s second largest network. The blades are not only functional and durable but also visually striking, helping Meridian’s charging stations stand out in various environments. The charging network is a reflection of Meridian’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in the EV sector, and once completed, will be one of the biggest destination charging networks in Aotearoa New Zealand.

“From concept to production, the team at DE Group have done a great job at challenging their own thinking to deliver something that absolutely brought our vision to life. It made life so simple knowing they were able to provide the full end-to-end solution including production and engineering certification. It has been great working with a group of people who were as excited as we were to see the final product, understood our challenges (and ever-changing needs) and went out of their way to find solutions.” ~ Annalese Booker, Project Lead, Meridian.

Learn more about Meridian’s Zero EV charging network at Meridian Zero