Charging an electric car in New Zealand

The networks

New Zealand's charging grew up around one network and has since filled in.

• ChargeNet runs fast chargers the length of both islands, in most towns of any size.
• Tesla Superchargers cover the main routes on both islands.
• BP, Z Energy and the power companies, such as Meridian, have added fast chargers at forecourts and in towns.
• Councils run many of the AC posts, often free or cheap in town centres.

Plugs

CCS2 and Type 2, as in Australia. New Zealand has many used Japanese imports, so CHAdeMO is still common at older fast chargers and on many Leafs; check a site's page if your car needs it.

Paying

ChargeNet's app or RFID card covers most fast charging; Tesla bills a Tesla account. Prices are per kWh and some sites add a per minute charge, so a slow charging car pays more for the same energy.

Long drives

State Highway 1 is well served on both islands, and the popular routes to the West Coast, Queenstown and the Coromandel have chargers in the towns along them. Between towns the roads are slow and hilly, which is kind to range, and 100 km/h is the limit. The ferry between the islands is a natural charging stop at each end.

Find chargers

Every public site ChargeAlong knows about in New Zealand is on the New Zealand page, by state or region and town, with its plugs, its power and what drivers have said. For a long drive, the trip planner picks the stops for your car. And the road trip guide is what to do when you get to one.