EV Charging Networks in New Zealand

Major networks at a glance

These are the largest public EV charging networks operating across New Zealand. Each network has its own app, pricing structure and charger locations. Most networks focus on DC fast charging along major routes and in urban areas, with some also operating AC destination chargers.

ChargeNet

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

OpenLoop

Nationwide DC fast charging network with strong coverage in Wellington and Christchurch. Supports app, RFID and contactless payment.

Z Energy

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

bp charge

DC fast chargers at bp service stations. Growing highway and urban network focused on convenience locations.

Tesla Supercharger

High-reliability DC fast charging network. Most New Zealand locations now open to non-Tesla EVs via CCS2.

Meridian Energy

Energy retailer offering EV-specific electricity plans with discounted rates for home charging and ChargeNet access.

Network comparison

This table compares the major networks by charger types, typical charging speeds and general pricing approach. Pricing varies by location and may change, so always check the network app for current rates before starting a session.

Network	Charger types	Typical DC speeds	Activation
ChargeNet	AC and DC	25 kW to 300 kW	App or RFID
OpenLoop	DC	50 kW to 150 kW	App, RFID or contactless card
Z Energy	DC	50 kW to 150 kW	Z App or contactless card
bp charge	DC	50 kW to 150 kW	App or contactless card
Tesla Supercharger	DC	Up to 250 kW	Plug in (Tesla) or app (non-Tesla)

Speeds shown are the maximum available at each network's sites. Actual charging speed depends on the vehicle, battery state of charge and charger availability. Pricing varies by location — check the network app for current rates.

Network details

ChargeNet

ChargeNet is New Zealand's largest EV charging network, with over 520 fast charging points strategically positioned from Cape Reinga to Bluff. Founded in 2015, ChargeNet has been building New Zealand's public charging infrastructure for over a decade.

The network offers both AC destination chargers and DC fast chargers, with its Hypercharger sites delivering up to 300 kW. ChargeNet's pricing is per kWh and varies by location — the April 2025 price update increased rates by $0.13/kWh across ChargeNet-owned sites.

Sessions can be started via the ChargeNet app, RFID card or fob. An Autocharge feature is available for compatible vehicles, allowing automatic session start on plug-in. Genesis Energy customers can link their ChargeNet account for discounted rates.

OpenLoop

OpenLoop operates a DC fast charging network with strong coverage across New Zealand's main centres, with particularly good presence in Wellington and Christchurch. The network uses a pay-as-you-go model with no membership required.

OpenLoop chargers support app activation, RFID and direct contactless card payment — useful for drivers who don't want to download another app. Pricing is per kWh and displayed at the charger before starting a session.

Z Energy

Z Energy has installed DC fast chargers at Z petrol stations across New Zealand, making them a convenient option for drivers who already stop at Z for fuel. The locations are well-lit, staffed and offer toilets and food — practical advantages over standalone charging sites.

Charging is activated through the Z App or by tapping a contactless card. Z Sharetank members may receive pricing advantages. Speeds typically range from 50 kW to 150 kW.

bp charge

bp charge installs DC fast chargers at bp service stations, providing a familiar stopping point for drivers transitioning to electric. Like Z Energy, bp charge locations benefit from existing amenities at fuel station sites.

Activation is via the bp charge app or contactless card. The network is growing steadily with a focus on highway and urban convenience locations.

Tesla Supercharger

The Tesla Supercharger network offers DC fast charging at speeds up to 250 kW. Tesla vehicles plug in and charging begins automatically without needing an app.

Most New Zealand Supercharger locations are now open to non-Tesla EVs via CCS2. Non-Tesla drivers can access these open sites through the Tesla app. Tesla offers a Supercharger Membership that gives non-Tesla drivers access to the same pricing as Tesla owners.

The network is recognised for high reliability and uptime. Pricing is either flat rate or time-of-use depending on location.

How to find public chargers

Most drivers use a combination of network-specific apps and third-party charger finder apps. Each charging network has its own app for locating chargers, checking availability and starting a session.

For finding chargers across multiple networks in one place, PlugShare and A Better Route Planner (ABRP) are the most widely used tools among New Zealand EV drivers. PlugShare shows charger locations and user reviews across all networks. ABRP is particularly useful for planning longer trips as it factors in your vehicle's range, battery level and available chargers along your route.

ABRP

Tesla

For a full list of EV charging apps available in New Zealand, see the EV Charging Apps tool page.

Charging speed reference

Public chargers range from slow AC destination chargers to ultra rapid DC chargers. The speed of a session depends on the charger power, your vehicle's maximum charging rate and the battery's current state of charge.

Charger type	Power	Typical use	Time for 10% to 80% (100 kWh)
Portable charger	2.3 kW	Standard power outlet	~30 hr 26 min
AC wall charger	7 kW	Home wall box (single phase)	~10 hr
3-phase AC charger	22 kW	Home, workplace or destination charger	~3 hr 11 min
DC fast charger	50 kW	Public fast charging station	~1 hr 24 min
DC rapid charger	150 kW	Public rapid charging station	~28 min
Ultra rapid charger	250 kW	Public ultra rapid station	~17 min

Assumes a typical EV (100 kWh battery) taken from 10% to 80%, adding 70 kWh. The power a charger advertises is an upper limit only: the car draws what it can accept, and less as the battery fills.

Frequently asked questions

What actually decides a network’s price?

Three things, mostly. The hardware and the grid connection: an ultra-rapid site needs far heavier infrastructure than a wall unit, and someone has to pay for it. The site itself, since a charger occupying retail land carries a cost that one in a car park does not. And utilisation, because a charger used ten times a day recovers its cost far faster than one used twice. That is why prices differ between operators, and why the same operator can charge different rates at different sites.

Which network should I set up an account with?

Start with whichever operator runs the chargers on the routes you actually drive, rather than the one with the best headline rate. Coverage in New Zealand is uneven outside the main centres, and a cheap network you can never reach is worth nothing. Most drivers end up with one account for the network nearest home and one for whoever covers their usual long trip. Many chargers now also take a contactless card, so a network you use once a year rarely needs an account at all.

Do I need a separate app for each network?

Most networks have their own app for activating chargers and managing payments. Some networks also support contactless card payment directly at the charger, removing the need for an app altogether. Third-party apps like PlugShare and ABRP can help you find chargers across all networks but usually cannot start a charging session directly.

Can non-Tesla EVs use Tesla Superchargers?

Most Tesla Supercharger locations in New Zealand are now open to non-Tesla EVs that use a CCS2 connector. Non-Tesla drivers can access these sites through the Tesla app. Tesla offers a Supercharger Membership that provides the same pricing as Tesla owners at participating locations.