Power Moves: Stephanie Smits O’Callaghan’s Impact on the Future of EV Charging

Stephanie Smits O’Callaghan is not your typical tech entrepreneur. Armed with a First Class Honours Master’s Degree in International Town Planning and Real Estate, she has transformed from an urban planner into a pioneering force in New Zealand’s electric vehicle (EV) charging industry. As the co-founder of Hikotron, Stephanie is breaking new ground, pushing the boundaries of innovation, and championing sustainability in the automotive sector.

Stephanie’s path to the tech world is both unique and inspiring. Her initial career in town planning saw her securing various consents and advocating for sustainable living. However, a passion for electric vehicles, sparked by her experiences driving an EV overseas, led her to identify a significant gap in New Zealand’s EV charging market.

“Driving an electric car was a transformative experience,” Stephanie recalls. “When my husband and I returned to New Zealand, we realized the potential to revolutionise EV charging here. That’s how Hikotron was born.”

Since its inception in 2020, Hikotron has swiftly established itself as a leader in the EV charging industry. With over 120 EV charge points installed and more than 12,000 charging sessions completed, the company is setting new standards for accessibility and convenience. Designed and built in Hamilton, New Zealand, Hikotron’s technology epitomises local ingenuity and high-quality manufacturing.

“We’re not just adopting technology, we’re enhancing it,” Stephanie explains. “By designing and building our chargers locally, we ensure they meet New Zealand’s unique conditions and needs.”
One of Hikotron’s standout achievements is the introduction of contactless payment-enabled EV chargers, a first in New Zealand. Launched in Blenheim, this innovation simplifies the charging process, making it more accessible and encouraging the adoption of cleaner vehicles.

“Our goal is to make EV charging as seamless and straightforward as possible,” Stephanie emphasizes. “The introduction of contactless payments is a significant step towards that goal.”
Stephanie’s role at Hikotron is as diverse as it is demanding. She balances responsibilities in accounts, marketing, customer support, business development, and more. Proudly wearing many hats, she navigates the complexities of town planning, site assessments, legal matters, and investment management.

“From handling customer support to pitching for investments, each role is crucial to our success,” Stephanie remarks. “Wearing many hats is incredibly fulfilling and keeps me engaged.”
Stephanie’s multifaceted leadership has been instrumental in driving Hikotron’s success. Her ability to adapt and innovate has positioned the company at the forefront of New Zealand’s EV charging infrastructure expansion.

Stephanie is not only a trailblazer in the EV industry but also a passionate advocate for women in tech and automotive fields. She actively participates in industry events, including being a panelist at the Everything Electric show in Sydney, where she discussed the role of women in electric vehicles. Her involvement in podcasts such as This Climate Business, EV Quest, and All That’s Tesla further highlights her thought leadership in the EV space.

“I’m immensely proud to be a woman in the startup and tech space,” Stephanie states. “There’s a huge opportunity to promote women in the automotive industry, and I’m dedicated to making that change. We need to ensure our marketing and dealership environments are inclusive and speak to everyone.”

Hikotron’s mission aligns with global sustainability goals, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and promote the use of electric vehicles. Their partnerships with local councils and companies like Mercury Energy underscore their commitment to expanding EV infrastructure and encouraging widespread adoption.

“We’re poised for exponential growth as the EV market in New Zealand expands,” says Stephanie. “Our focus on destination charging, where EVs charge while parked at places like sports grounds, town centers, and workplaces – is designed to integrate seamlessly into daily life, making the transition to electric vehicles easier for everyone.”

Stephanie and her team at Hikotron have ambitious plans for the future. With a goal to build New Zealand’s largest and most reliable EV charging network, they aim to install 500 chargers nationwide by 2026.

“Our vision is clear. We want to lead the charge in creating a sustainable future for New Zealand and beyond,” Stephanie declares.

Stephanie’s rise in the tech and automotive industries highlights the impact of vision, innovation, and resilience. As Hikotron continues to grow and shape the future of EV charging in New Zealand, Stephanie’s leadership serves as an inspiring example of the power of women in tech and automotive fields.