EV Public Charging: Stations and Prices
The charging network in New Zealand is not a single utility; it comprises multiple operators and payment systems.
Public charging operators in New Zealand
Public charging stations are managed by different operators. To charge your vehicle, you will need to use an app (except for Plug and Save - accepts contactless payment).
Nationwide
Smaller operators
In the Wellington region, Thundergrid manages a small selection of chargers.
Public charging prices
| Notes | ||
|---|---|---|
| Zero DC under 25 kW | $0.25-0.31 | + $0.15 / minute fee |
| Jolt AC | $0.33 | 'Free' but $2.30 service fee required (for first 7 kWh). |
| ChargeNet AC | $0.45 | |
| Jolt DC | $0.47 | $1 / minute |
| Hikotron AC | $0.50 | |
| Zero AC | $0.50 | |
| Tesla DC | $0.69-1.15 | Congestion fee: $1 / minute |
| OpenLoop DC | $0.69-0.80 | |
| We.EV DC | $0.70 | |
| Plug and Save DC - 160 kW | $0.75 | |
| Zero DC | $0.80 | |
| ChargeNet DC up to 150 kW | $0.90 | Idle fee: $1 / minute* |
| BP DC | $0.90 | Time-of-day pricing at some sites — cheaper off-peak; Contact customers get 60–70% off in peak windows |
| Z Energy DC up to 200 kW | $0.94 | |
| ChargeNet DC over 150 kW | $0.95 | Idle fee: $1 / minute* |
| ChargeNet DC (rural) | $1.15 | Idle fee: $1 / minute* |
** BP variable pricing: some BP charge points may offer lower prices during off-peak times.
**** Zero: In Wellington City Council area: DC price is $0.25 / kWh + $0.15 per minute. In Hutt City Council area: DC price is $0.31 / kWh (and $0.15 / minute idle fee)
***** Tesla: Lower prices for Tesla drivers, higher prices for non-Tesla vehicles. Check app for pricing. Congestion fees: If you're charging past 80% OR your charging sessions finished AND the supercharger block is busy.
Partnerships with energy companies
Several energy companies collaborate with charging networks, bringing discounts and unified payment options.
Meridian Energy + Zero
EV Plan offers six months of free use of the Zero charging network (and six months of free home charging - capped at $35/month). For new customers (more).
Genesis Energy + ChargeNet
EVerywhere addon: pay your at-home rates for any ChargeNet public charger (more).
Contact Energy + BP Charge
60-70% discount on BP fast chargers (between 7-9am and 4-6pm). 10% discount outside these hours. For Contact residential customers only. (more).
Octopus Energy + Add-to-bill
Octopus energy customers can have all ChargeNet and OpenLoop transactions integrated into one Octopus monthly bill (more).
Electric Kiwi + Add-to-bill
All ChargeNet transactions can be added to one monthly Electric Kiwi bill (more).
EV charging stations in New Zealand
Orange = DC fast chargers. Green = AC slower chargers.
How do you find the nearest charger?
- EVRoam (NZTA) — Maintains maps of fast chargers.
- Plugshare — Extensive coverage of all kinds of chargers.
- ABRP — Plan a road trip that includes the best charging stops.
Both Google Maps and Apple Maps have charging stations.
For a statistical overview of New Zealand's charging network, visit the EECA EV Charger Dashboard.
How do I charge an electric car at a public charging station?
- Park so the cars charging socket is near the charging station.
- Use the app to scan the code on the charging station.*
- Take the charging cable and plug it into the car.
Monitor the charging status with the app. Many charging providers can also supply a fob (small plastic RFID tag). This can be waved in front of the charger to start a session (instead of using the app).
Slower AC 'destination' chargers can be a little different. Some of them require you to keep a cable in the car.
