How to charge your EV at home and on the road

Around 80% of EV owners do more than half of their charging at home, but it’s good to know the ins and outs of public charging too, for when you need to power up on a longer trip.

Charging at home

An EV costs the equivalent of $1.60c per litre to 'fill up' when charged at home, including road user charges, which is the easiest and most convenient way to charge. You need off-street parking and access to a dedicated charging unit or a 3-pin power socket.

Some electricity suppliers offer competitive rates for EV owners, further incentivising off-peak charging - so be sure to check that you're on the right power plan.

Types of home chargers

Not all EV chargers are created equally – the different types on the market offer different benefits. The type you decide to buy will impact how fast you can charge it, how much you’ll spend on electricity, and can impact whether your home’s wiring is up to the job. 

If you’re buying an EV, look for the best charger you can get for your money. A smarter, more efficient model is the safest, fastest, and most convenient way to ensure your vehicle is fully charged when you need it.

‘Smart’ wall-mounted charging unit — Many wall-mounted chargers have 'smart' features, which let you automate when you charge your EV, and programme certain preferences. This is often through an app. Smart chargers are the fastest, safest, most convenient home charging option, and often help you to access the cheapest rates. Learn about smart chargers.
Standard wall-mounted charging unit — Wall-mounted models make charging your EV simple, safe and efficient. They require installation in an off-street parking spot, and are typically more efficient than a portable cable. If you have a charger that isn’t smart capable, you can make the most of low-cost charging by plugging in your EV at off peak times.
Portable 3-pin cable — a portable charger is typically supplied with your EV when you buy it. You can get by using one of these, but if you use your EV a lot, a wall mounted charger will be faster, more convenient, and safer. Portable chargers can be used when other charging options aren't available, but are not designed to be used as the primary means of home charging, and are unlikely to be suitable for higher capacity EV models with extended range (as they are limited in the amount of electricity they can conduct).

Charging on the road

Once you’re on the road, it’s about taking the opportunity to charge where and when you’re already stopping, and making sure you’re using route-planning apps to give yourself some peace of mind. You'll find public chargers at places like supermarkets, malls and gyms, and at least every 75km along most of New Zealand's state highways.

Types of public charger

The public charging network is growing all the time, with fast chargers on state highways, and slower chargers in places you may be for longer, like malls or supermarkets. There are tools to help you plan longer journeys and find chargers along the way.

DC fast chargers

As a rough guide, 25kW DC charger will add 50km range in under 30mins, and a 50kW DC charger will add 50km in under 15mins. Depending on your vehicle, a 150kW charger can add 100km to your range in as little as 13-16 minutes.

Public DC chargers have two cable options provided, to fit every kind of EV.

Public AC chargers

Offer a slower, cheaper charge (sometimes free). You may need to supply your own cable.

Finding a public charger

There are chargers at least every 75km along most of the state highway network and the network is expanding rapidly. Websites and apps show the locations of public chargers, whether they're fast (DC) or slow (AC), if they're in working order and what type of connectors or sockets are provided or required.

Plugshare(external link) — crowd-sourced map and chargers from all networks.
Apple maps or Google maps.
A Better Route Planner(external link) is a global site using available data to allow journey charging planning. While it doesn't have a complete picture of all chargers in New Zealand, it's a useful planning tool.

Tips for using a fast charger

No cable required. All fast charging stations have tethered CHAdeMO and/or CCS Type 2 cables.
Create an account online first. Once signed up, you can access the fast charging network and enjoy easy billing and payment.
Fast charge occasionally rather than frequently. It seems to be better for your battery.
In a hurry? Charge to 80%. The last 20% of the battery takes longer to charge, so use the option to charge only to 80%.
Check with your manufacturer to find out what's best for your particular vehicle.

Best practice charging - at home and on the road

It's important to use the right equipment, in the right way, to protect your wiring and keep everyone safe.

You can charge your car safely inside or outside, rain or shine, as all equipment is designed for use in New Zealand and for the conditions in which it will be used.
- Never use extension cables.
- Never take a cable across a footpath to charge.
- Do not use devices to connect the charging cable to the power supply (such as multi-boxes, double plugs or travel plugs).
- You can use an adaptor to connect the charging cable to the car, provided it is confirmed for use by the manufacturers of the vehicle and the cable.
- Never use modified charging equipment such as overseas equipment that has been fitted with a New Zealand plug. Never use damaged or faulty charging equipment. Have it checked by the manufacturer.
  EECA commissioned Standards New Zealand to develop a free guide to buying and using an efficient, smart home charger.
Electric vehicle chargers for residential use | EECA(external link)(external link)

Read Worksafe's advice on safely charging your EV at home(external link)
When buying an EV, including a used import, you should only be supplied with charging equipment (such as cables) designed for use in New Zealand.

Do not use equipment that doesn't display a voltage range that includes 230V, doesn't have a New Zealand plug, or has been modified (even to fit a New Zealand plug). It isn’t suitable for New Zealand’s electricity supply. Even if it appears to work, you can’t be sure the in-cable safety device will work when it needs to.

Some cables come with an industrial or caravan plug that allows faster charging. These require an electrician to install a special wall power point.

When buying a charging cable or wall-mounted charging unit, or purchasing an EV with a charging cable included, ask the seller for a signed copy of a Supplier Declaration of Conformity. This declaration shows the unit has been tested and meets electrical safety standards.

Wall-mounted charging units must be installed by a registered electrician who should:
- install a separate sub-circuit
- make sure the cable to the socket is capable of supplying the power that the unit can deliver. A circuit capable of supplying 32 Amps will futureproof the installation
- install a Type B RCD
- be able to confirm the charging equipment has a Supplier Declaration of Conformity to show the unit has been tested and meets electrical safety law.
If you’re having trouble with a charger, there are often simple troubleshooting steps you can take to get it going. Follow any instructions on the screen, or check the charger provider’s website for tips. Most providers also have 0800 numbers you can call for over-the-phone help. Often, they’ll be able to help remotely, and get you on your way.

If the charger requires a more serious fix, you may need to move to another charger nearby – that’s why it pays to plan to have enough battery capacity in reserve.

If you’re using apps from the charger providers, they’ll note any known outages. Plugshare is a public, crowdsourced app, where EV drivers can also note if a charger isn’t working.
Public chargers can be in hot demand, especially during peak travel times, like school holidays. Make it easier on yourself and your fellow EV drivers by planning your trip and charging stops in advance, and being mindful of others who need to use chargers.
- There are several resources for planning an easy, stress-free trip. Check out the PlugShare app for the full list of chargers within NZ. Make sure to take note of the kW rating, so you understand how long your charge will take.
- While it may be tempting to charge your EV right to 100%, it is encouraged to take only what you need, or only to charge to 80%.
- Only use public chargers if you cannot charge at home. Keep them free for those that need them.
- Parks displaying an EV charging sign are for charging only. Do not park there if you are not charging, even if you’re in an EV.
- Only unplug another vehicle if you are certain it has finished charging, or you have been given permission, eg: on the Plugshare app.
- Make use of apps or txt alerts to monitor the state of charge. Plugshare is a safe way to communicate, but is optional.
- Stations are designed to allow you to leave your vehicle charging. But you must be back before charging stops, and before any parking time limits are up.
- Check for Parking/Charging Limits.
- Look after the stations, cables and plugs. Report any damage to the service provider, & ensure cables are safely tucked away.