A charger can be AC (slower, cheaper; most require your own cable) or DC (faster, more expensive, cable not needed).
JUMP AHEAD
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 coverage, fast (> 150 kW) chargers
400+ charging points.
Integrated into Z service stations.
Integrated into BP service stations.
Superchargers + Destination. Some are open to non-Tesla vehicles.
Smaller operators
Nationwide. Mostly AC chargers.
AC chargers. Predominantly Waikato.
Northern Waikato
AC + DC chargers.
Some DC chargers in North Island. Accepts paywave.
Can also use the Nova Charge Hub app
In the Wellington region, there is a small selection of chargers managed by Thundergrid.
Public charging prices
If charging at an AC charging point, you can predict the time and cost using the calculator.
| Charging Network | AC per kWh | DC per kWh | Per Minute charge | Idle Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ChargeNet | $0.40 | $0.80 – $0.85 | $1 / minute* | |
| Z Energy | $0.79 | |||
| BP | $0.75** | |||
| Tesla Supercharger **** | Varies (up to $1.15 for non-Teslas, $0.81 for Teslas or subscribers). Check Tesla app for pricing | $1 – $2 / minute | ||
| Plug and Save | $0.75 | |||
| OpenLoop | $0.25 – $0.50 | $0.25 + | ||
| We.EV | $0.70 | |||
| Hikotron | $0.50 | |||
| Zero | $0.50 | Varies (typically $0.25 / kWh + $0.15 / minute) | ||
| Jolt | Free*** | $0.47 | $1 / minute |
** Variable pricing: some BP charge points may offer lower prices during off-peak times.
*** Free for first 7 kWh.
**** Some chargers are open to non-Tesla vehicles
Data from Z Energy shows an average charging session is 20.3 kWh.
Partnerships with power providers
Many NZ energy companies collaborate with charging networks, bringing discounts and unified payment options.
| Power Company | Charging Network | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis | Chargenet | Combined billing using Genesis power plan’s ‘per kWh’ day and night rates. |
| EV Plan includes a $200 credit or free AC charging cable (for use at Zero chargers). | OpenLoop | Add charging sessions to Octopus bill |
| Octopus Energy | ChargeNet | Add charging sessions to Octopus bill |
| Nova | ? | Add charging sessions to Nova bill |
| Meridian | Zero | EV Plan includes either a $200 credit or free AC charging cable (for use at Zero chargers). |
| Electric Kiwi | – | Discount on EVNEX home smart charger installation. |
| Electric Kiwi | Chargenet | Add charging sessions to Electric Kiwi bill |
| AA Smartfuel | Chargenet | Earn credits for Chargenet based on fuel credits earned |
| Cardlink | Chargenet + existing petrol stations | Allows business fleet vehicles to have everything on a single invoice. |
EV charging stations in New Zealand
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?
On the fast chargers (ChargeNet, Z Energy, BP), it’s like fueling at a petrol pump:
- Park the car so the 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.
Slower AC ‘destination’ chargers can be a little different. Some of them require you to keep a cable in the car.
