Words: Autocar
Published 23 March 2026
The Government has awarded $52.7 million in zero-interest loans to ChargeNet and Meridian Energy to accelerate the rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, with the funding set to more than double New Zealand’s public charging network.
ChargeNet will receive $37.7 million from the Public Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Loans programme, while Meridian Energy secures the remaining $15 million. The two companies are co-investing $60 million in capital to deliver 2574 new charge points nationwide, expanding the current network of 1800 public chargers to around 4550.
The funding, managed by National Infrastructure Funding and Financing (NIFF), will deliver 1374 DC fast chargers and 1200 AC chargers across urban and regional locations by 2030.
ChargeNet chief executive Danusia Wypych says the company’s expansion addresses both everyday and long-distance travel needs by combining its established DC rapid network with new AC charging infrastructure designed for longer stays.
“With over three and a half million charging sessions to date, our DC rapid chargers are ideal for quick top-ups on the go, getting drivers back on the road in as little as 20 minutes,” Wypych says.
“AC chargers are perfect for longer stays, such as at shopping centres and recreational venues, where vehicles can charge over several hours. So, the two work well together.”
ChargeNet currently operates more than 520 DC rapid charging points nationwide alongside 90 AC chargers in communities, carparks and destination sites. The company plans to install over 1700 new charging points by 2030 as part of its PowerUp vision.
Government breaks infrastructure deadlock
Transport Minister Chris Bishop says the zero-interest loans address a market deadlock where private sector investment in charging infrastructure has lagged due to insufficient electric vehicle (EV) demand, while the lack of public chargers deters potential EV buyers.
“Many New Zealanders have thought about getting an EV, even before the fuel challenges we’re currently facing. But research shows that the lack of public chargers is holding many back from making the switch to an EV,” Bishop says.
The loan structure delivers value for taxpayers, with Bishop noting the average loan per charge point is $20,000, but repayments reduce the net cost to the Crown to around $10,000 per charger – roughly a quarter of what a direct grant would cost.
New Zealand currently has about 1800 public charge points, among the lowest charger-to-EV ratios in the OECD. The Government has committed to delivering 10,000 EV chargers by 2030.
Partnership approach drives rollout
ChargeNet will deliver its new charging points through partnerships with existing site hosts and new partners, including major retailers such as Foodstuffs, recreational venues, and regional and city councils.
“We thank our current partners for their ongoing support and look forward to deepening these relationships and bringing on new partners as the network grows,” Wypych says.
About half the new chargers will be installed across Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, with the remainder distributed throughout regional areas to ensure drivers outside main centres benefit from improved access.
The Government is also changing planning rules to make public EV charger installation a permitted activity under the Resource Management Act, removing consent requirements in most cases to speed up delivery.
Bishop says the timing of the funding announcement is “fortuitous” given increased interest in EVs as fuel costs surge due to global oil market volatility, with petrol prices reaching $3.20 per litre in some areas.
“People look at a petrol price of three bucks, three bucks twenty, and potentially going higher, and they say, jeepers creepers, now’s the time to go electric because the running costs are just so much lower,” Bishop says.
