Prepare for years of pollution-free driving by installing the right infrastructure now.

Places to charge

  1. 1

    At home

    Charging at home off-peak is the cheapest and most convenient option. You need off-street parking and access to a dedicated charging unit or a 3-pin power socket. Make sure you're comfortable with the health and safety aspect too.

    Read our guidance on home charging

  2. 2

    At your business

    Super-convenient but there's a lot to consider. If you have EVs in your fleet, install smart charging to manage when the EVs are charged and to keep on top of energy costs.

    Learn more about the key things to consider(external link)

  3. 3

    On the road

    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.

    Learn more about public charging

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EV charging in the workplace – key things to consider

Does your site have the power?

Buildings have a limited power capacity. If charging infrastructure increases electricity demand beyond capacity, you may have to upgrade the transformer and site infrastructure – incurring a lot of expense. The same goes if your power source is a long way from your ideal charger location.

Options are to pay more at this stage, knowing you’re building capacity for more or faster chargers in the future. Or you can stick to slow chargers for now, or look for opportunities to reduce electricity use in other parts of the building.

Work with a certified electrical engineer to find the best solution.

Is your landlord onboard?

If you're a tenant, you'll need permission from the landlord or building manager to install the infrastructure, and their help to liaise with other tenants. Work with them on capacity, metering, signage, markings, access, security and lighting. And maybe they can help with costs — it's a building improvement after all.

Shop around for best equipment and prices

There are several suppliers in New Zealand and a wide range of options – it is recommended you get quotes from at least 3 providers.

Make sure you discuss the power provision at the site with your EV charger supplier, as this can greatly affect the final costs of your project. While you're at it, talk to your electricity provider about their prices. Some offer special pricing for EV charging or offer lower off-peak rates.

EECA (the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) has published an approved list of commercial smart EV chargers that are recommended based on efficiency and ‘smartness’. Choosing a charger from the approved list ensures it will evolve with new technology, as well as reduce energy costs and emissions.

View the approved list(external link)

Iron out the wrinkles with a policy

The process will help you pin down how you want the infrastructure to be managed and used. Is it for employees only, or can visitors or other tenants use it too? Will they have to pay? (Most EV chargers can bill users — so it could help you pay for the charger.) How will you make sure it's available when you need it? What about access and security?

More information