The Central Otago District Council decided yesterday to allow Chargenet to establish the units in Tarras, Alexandra and Ranfurly.
Council revenue and financing manager Jamie Cunningham said as a commitment to sustainability in the district he was exploring options for the council installing such units itself, which would have cost about $75,000 each.
He discovered Chargenet was planning to install them throughout the country, including those three Central Otago areas.
Cromwell was not on its list, as it was too close to planned sites in Wanaka and Queenstown.
The ''rapid chargers'' were able to charge electric cars in about 30 minutes.
They required two car parks and room for a charger about the size of a petrol pump, but would require more space for the option of future expansion.
The council offered sites on Thompson St, in Alexandra, and Charlemont St, in Ranfurly, next to Graham Electrical Ltd.
Cr Stu Duncan, of Maniototo, said the proposed Ranfurly spot was popular for supermarket parking, so he would talk to council staff about potential alternative sites.
The report did not specify whether a site was offered in Tarras.
Council chief executive Leanne Mash said it would not seek remuneration from the company for the use of the sites, so it could push itself forward in the programme.
Mr Cunningham said the sites were required to be within walking distance of cafes and shops, which would benefit local businesses.
Cr Barrie Wills said electric cars were ''the way of the future'' and the chargers would be of no cost to council.
Council chief financial officer Bernard Murphy said the council would review the company's use of the sites regularly so it did not have an advantage over local businesses.
Council staff will now continue discussions with the company.
Waimate, Dunedin and Invercargill already have rapid chargers.
