EV Public Charging: Stations, Prices, and Operators

The charging network in New Zealand is not a single utility; it comprises multiple operators and payment systems.

November 30, 2024       8 min read
public charging

A charger can be AC (slower, cheaper; most require your own cable) or DC (faster, more expensive, cable not needed).

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

ChargeNet

400+ charging points.

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Z Energy

Integrated into Z service stations.

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BP

Integrated into BP service stations.

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Tesla

Superchargers + Destination. Some are open to non-Tesla vehicles.

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Smaller operators

Zero

Nationwide, predominantly Wellington and Christchurch

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Hikotron

AC chargers. Predominantly Waikato.

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We.EV

Northern Waikato

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OpenLoop

AC + DC chargers.

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Jolt

Predominantly Auckland. 25 kW DC chargers.

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Plug and Save

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 NetworkPrice per kWh (AC)Price per kWh (DC)Per Minute chargeIdle Fees
ChargeNet$0.40$0.80 – $0.85$1 / minute*
Z Energy$0.79
BP$0.75**
Tesla Supercharger $0.80 to $1.15*****$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)
JoltFree***$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 $0.25 / 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.

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?

  1. Park so the cars charging socket is near the charging station.
  2. Use the app to scan the code on the charging station.*
  3. 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.

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