New Zealand’s roads are going electric fast, yet first-time drivers still ask the same questions: Where are the chargers? What apps shall I download? Because the country’s charging network is split across several operators—most of whose stations lack pay‑wave—you’ll usually need to download and use their dedicated apps to locate a charger, unlock charging, and pay for your session.
Understanding EV Plugs and Power
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Connectors: Most new NZ‑market EVs use Type 2 (AC) and CCS2 (DC). Older Nissan Leafs and some Japanese imports still rely on Type 1 – J1772 (AC) and CHAdeMO (DC) – check what chargers are compatiable to your EV.
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AC vs DC: AC charging (7–22 kW) are great for overnight or long stops; DC fast (50–75 kW) and hyper‑fast (150 kW+) stations will get you back on the road in 15‑45 minutes but cost more.
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For more information on the plug or socket type, refer to our blog here for details.
Understanding NZ Charger Operators
Nationwide Fast Charger Operators
Local/Smaller Charger Operators
| Network | Typical Price per kWh (AC) | Typical Price per kWh (DC) | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
|
ChargeNet |
$0.45 |
$0.85 (50kWh – 150kWh) –
$0.90 (150kWh and above) |
You can’t start or pay for a session and the status tile only shows what users reported, not live telemetry |
|
BP |
$0.55 (few chargers nationwide) |
$0.60 offpeak –
$0.75 peak |
|
|
Z Energy |
— |
$0.79 |
|
|
Tesla Supercharger |
— |
$0.70 to $1.15 (higher price for non-tesla drivers) |
Pricing is 10‑15 % higher for non‑Teslas |
|
Zero |
$0.50 |
$0.80 |
AC posts are Type 2 Socket only – BYO Type 2 cable for charging |
|
Jolt |
7kWh of free charging daily |
$0.47 |
Queues build at peak times because of the daily 7kWh giveaway. Coverage limited to city-centric. |
|
Hikotron |
$0.50 |
— |
App requires more development; Most of the sites are AC‑only so plan extra time. |
|
WeEV |
$0.40 |
$0.45-0.60 (<50kW); $0.7 (50kW-100kW); $0.8 (100kW+) |
Sparse outside Waikato. |
|
OpenLoop |
$0.40 – $0.70 |
$0.69 (<100kWh); $0.80 (100kWh+) |
Reliability and prices vary from site to site. |
|
Plug and Save |
— |
$0.75 |
Small network and no companion app to check availability remotely. |
How do you choose which app to use?
In practice you’ll use three kinds of apps:
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“Find‑it” map apps (PlugShare, EVRoam) show every charger on the landscape, regardless of brand—but they can’t start a session or complete a payment.
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Network apps (ChargeNet, bp charge, Z App, Tesla, regional ones like We.EV and Hikotron) are how you actually unlock the charger, see live status, and pay. Keep at least two national‑network apps ready for backup.
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Route‑planners such as A Better Routeplanner (ABRP) stitch the trip together, factoring your car’s range, hills and weather so you know where and when to charge.
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We recommend having at least 1 find-it map (Plugshare) + 2 nationwide providers (chargenet/BP/Z) + 1 route planner (ABRP) to ensure a stress-free long distance drive. You should consider downloading another local provider app if situation applies.
Best Charging Practices (and saving money)
- Move when you hit 80-90% – DC charge rates decreases significantly after reaching 80% because the battery management system limits the charge rate to protect its battery. In addition, many networks charge $1-2/min idle fees.
- Bring Type 2 cable – Some plublic AC stations are Type 2 socket only, which requires you to BYO Type 2 cable to plug in for charging.
- Carry a portable charger for travel – A standard NZ 3-pin portable charger only delivers about 2kW, but they are the cheapest and most convenient option if you have access to a 3-pin socket for long hours (e.g., staying overnight at a motel/AirBnB).
- Charge Off-peak – Some operators offer evening discounts that trim 10-20 cents per kWh.
