Public EV Charging Networks in New Zealand

Public EV chargers are installed at locations like shopping centres, service stations, car parks, rest stops and highway corridors. They are operated by charging networks — companies that install, maintain and manage the chargers and handle billing.

To use a public charger, you typically need the network's app on your phone. You plug in your vehicle, start the session through the app and pay per kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity delivered. Some chargers also accept contactless card payments, though app-based payment is more common.

Unlike home charging, where you pay your residential electricity rate, public charging prices include the cost of the charging infrastructure, site leases, maintenance and network operations. This makes public charging more expensive per kWh than home charging, but it provides the speed and convenience needed for longer trips and top-ups away from home.

Public chargers fall into three broad categories based on their power output and charging speed.

Public AC chargers

AC chargers are the slowest public option, typically delivering 7 kW to 22 kW. They are commonly found at shopping centres, workplaces, hotels and car parks — locations where vehicles are parked for longer periods. AC charging is best suited for topping up over several hours rather than quick stops.

DC fast chargers

DC fast chargers deliver 50 kW to 150 kW and can add significant range in 20 to 40 minutes. They are the most common type of charger along highway routes and at dedicated charging stations. DC fast charging is the practical choice for long distance travel and quick top-ups.

Ultra rapid DC chargers

Ultra rapid chargers operate at 250 kW or more and can charge compatible vehicles significantly faster than standard DC fast chargers. They are typically found at high-traffic highway sites and major charging hubs. Not all vehicles can accept ultra rapid speeds — the actual charging rate is limited by the vehicle's maximum DC acceptance rate.

Several charging networks operate across New Zealand, each with their own app, pricing structure and charger locations.

ChargeNet

New Zealand's largest network with over 520 fast charging points nationwide. AC and DC chargers from Cape Reinga to Bluff.

OpenLoop

DC fast charging network across New Zealand's main centres. Supports app, RFID and contactless card payment.

Z Energy

DC fast chargers at Z petrol stations. Convenient top-up charging at familiar fuel stop locations nationwide.

bp charge

DC fast chargers at bp service stations. Growing highway and urban network at convenient fuel station sites.

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla's fast charging network. Many New Zealand sites now open to non-Tesla EVs via CCS2. Pricing may vary for non-Tesla vehicles.

For a detailed side-by-side comparison of these networks including charger types, coverage areas and pricing, see the EV Charging Networks tool page.

Most public chargers in New Zealand price electricity per kilowatt hour (kWh). The price varies by network, charger type and location. DC fast and ultra rapid chargers are more expensive per kWh than AC chargers because of the higher infrastructure cost and the convenience of faster charging.

Some networks offer subscription or membership plans that reduce the per-kWh rate in exchange for a monthly fee. These plans can be worthwhile for drivers who use public charging regularly, but for occasional use the standard pay-as-you-go rate is usually simpler.

A few networks also apply idle fees — an additional charge per minute if your vehicle remains connected after charging is complete. This encourages drivers to move their vehicle promptly so others can use the charger.

Even at public DC fast charging prices, driving an EV is often still cheaper per kilometre than petrol. However, relying exclusively on public fast charging would significantly reduce the cost advantage that home charging provides. Most EV owners use public chargers for long distance travel and top-ups, doing the majority of their charging at home.

If you are new to public charging, getting set up is straightforward.

Download the apps

Install the apps for the major networks before you need them. At a minimum, having the ChargeNet, OpenLoop and Z Energy apps covers the majority of the public fast charging network across New Zealand. You can add other network apps as needed. The EV Charging Apps page provides quick access to all major apps.

Check your connector

Most modern EVs sold in New Zealand use the CCS2 (Combined Charging System) connector for DC fast charging. This is compatible with the vast majority of public DC chargers. For AC public charging, the Type 2 connector is standard. Check your vehicle's manual to confirm which connectors it supports.

Plan your route

For longer trips, tools like A Better Route Planner (ABRP) and PlugShare can help you find chargers along your route and estimate charging stops. Most vehicle navigation systems also show nearby chargers, though a dedicated charger-finding app typically has more up-to-date information on availability and pricing.

Know your vehicle's limits

Your vehicle's maximum DC charging speed determines how fast it can actually charge, regardless of the charger's rated power. A 250 kW ultra rapid charger will not charge faster than a vehicle that accepts a maximum of 150 kW. Knowing your vehicle's DC limit helps you choose the most cost-effective charger — there is usually no benefit in paying ultra rapid prices if your vehicle cannot use the extra speed.