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, predominantly Wellington and Christchurch
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, Thundergrid manages a small selection of chargers.
Public charging prices
If charging at an AC charging point, you can predict the time and cost using the calculator. Note that some Tesla superchargers are open to other vehicles (not just Tesla).
| Charging Network | Price per kWh (AC) | Price per kWh (DC) | 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 | $0.80 **** Varies (typically $0.25 / kWh + $0.15 / minute) | ||
| Jolt | Free*** | $0.47 | $1 / minute |
* 5-minutes free before an idle fee
** Variable pricing: some BP charge points may offer lower prices during off-peak times.
*** Free for first 7 kWh.
**** In Wellington City Council area: DC price is $0.31 / kWh (and $0.15 per minute idle fee). In Hamilton City Council area: DC price is $0.25 / kWh (and $0.15 / minute idle fee)
Data from Z Energy shows an average charging session is 20.3 kWh.
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).
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
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.
