New Zealand to Nearly Triple EV Charging Network with 2,574 New Stations
New Zealand to Nearly Triple EV Charging Network with 2,574 New Stations
New Zealand to Nearly Triple EV Charging Network with 2,574 New Stations
New Zealand is set to expand its electric vehicle (EV) charging network with 2574 new charge points. The government-backed project will nearly triple the current number of public chargers across the country. Half of the new units will be placed in major cities, while the rest will serve regional areas.
The installation will include 1374 DC fast chargers and 1200 AC chargers. AC chargers are particularly suited for plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), encouraging wider adoption of these models. Currently, New Zealand has around 1800 public charge points, but this expansion will bring the total to approximately 4550.
The project is a joint effort between the government and private companies. ChargeNet and Meridian Energy won the contract through a competitive bidding process. Together, they are co-investing $60 million, alongside government loans averaging $20,000 per charger. After repayments, the net cost to the government will be around $10,000 per unit.
To speed up the rollout, planning rules are being updated. The changes will make public EV charger installations a permitted activity in most cases, reducing delays. The government aims to reach 10,000 public charge points by 2030, supporting the country's shift toward electric transport.
The new chargers will be split evenly between urban and regional locations. Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin will each receive a share. The expansion is expected to improve access to charging infrastructure, making EV ownership more practical for drivers nationwide.