Enabling a nationwide network of public EV charging infrastructure

As number of electric vehicles (EVs) on our roads grow, so does the demand on the nationwide network of EV charging infrastructure.

We are working with the private and public sector to ensure the nationwide network of public EV charging infrastructure is aligned, safe and reliable, and meets future needs and demands.

Our vision for the public charging network

In April 2017, we set a vision for a nationwide coverage of fast/rapid direct current (DC) charging stations every 75kms across our state highways.

Progress towards these targets

Waka Kotahi has established a baseline of existing infrastructure and will actively manage progress towards the targets set down in our vision.

The following maps are a view of the current state of the nationwide network:

• Electric vehicle charging stations in the North Island as at 12 May 2023 [PDF, 3.2 MB]

• Electric vehicle charging stations in the South Island as at 12 May 2023 [PDF, 2.3 MB]

These maps are updated monthly. For the most up to date information view our EV charging station map which uses data from EVRoam, our live database of the nationwide network of publicly accessible chargers.

View live map of public EV charging stations(external link)

National EV charging infrastructure plan

As New Zealand’s transport sector progresses on its decarbonisation journey, EV uptake is likely to accelerate – and so will the charging infrastructure network.

We are part of a cross-agency working group that is developing a national plan for New Zealand’s public EV charging infrastructure. This plan will provide strategic direction for a short-term action plan and long-term strategy to future-proof the charging network. It will also:

• Provide industry and businesses with greater certainty around how they can prepare to meet future demand.
• Ensure that the roll-out of infrastructure is accessible to all New Zealanders and supports a Just Transition.
• Help to address existing and future barriers to EV uptake.

As part of this work, we expect to update our vision and targets outlined above.

Ministry of Transport’s update to the Minister (May 2021)(external link)

Learn more about the cross-agency EV work programme(external link)

EECA’s consultation on the short-term action plan for public EV charging(external link)

Minimum requirements for the public charging network

There are three types of EV charging infrastructure: public, commercial, and restricted (or private). The nationwide network consists of public charging infrastructure that meet the following requirements:

• It must be safe:
  • minimum Mode 3 or Mode 4 charge
  • designed and intended for use by the general public
  • on street chargers endorsed by the road controlling authority.
• It must be reliable:
  • monitored in real time for reliability by the charging operator
  • the general public have 24/7 access to rapid charging stations.
• It must be interoperable (the ability to be used by many vehicle makes and models):
  • direct current (DC) chargers must have Chademo and CCS Type 2 connectors
  • alternating (AC) chargers must be Type 2 socketed chargers
  • universal payment system.

For further information, see our national guidance for public EV charging infrastructure

To ensure nationwide visibility, all EV charging stations that meet these requirements should be logged with Waka Kotahi. While we recommend automated integration with EVRoam, static data is also accepted.

If you are a new charging operator, or if you know of public charging infrastructure that meets the requirements above and is not included in the network maps, email environment@nzta.govt.nz

Learn more about EVRoam