Words: Richard Edwards
Published 10 March 2026
Remember when the hardest part of refuelling was choosing 91 or 95? ChargeNet’s new Autocharge feature is aiming for that kind of simplicity, letting compatible EVs start a charge session the moment the plug goes in.
Once enabled through the ChargeNet app, Autocharge removes the need to scan a QR code, tap an RFID fob, or fumble with the app mid-session. Plug the CCS connector in, and the charger recognises the vehicle and begins charging automatically, billing to the account on file.
ChargeNet Head of Growth & Commercial Roberto Balzarelli says the feature is about removing the small friction points that can still make public charging feel like a chore.
“Our customers who’ve had early access have really enjoyed it – one even called it ‘magic’,” he says. “This is the way charging should be.”
The rollout covers the majority of ChargeNet’s 520-plus DC fast chargers nationwide, though some units and vehicle models aren’t yet compatible. CHAdeMO vehicles, including the Nissan Leaf, are excluded, as the feature relies on the communication protocols built into the CCS standard.
It’s worth noting ChargeNet isn’t the first to offer automated charging in New Zealand. Tesla owners have long enjoyed a seamless plug-and-charge experience on Tesla’s own Supercharger network, and some WE.EV chargers also support the technology. What makes this rollout notable is the scale: it’s the first broad, multi-brand implementation across a nationwide public network, meaning the convenience isn’t limited to one manufacturer’s ecosystem.
To get started, drivers need to register their vehicle in the ChargeNet app and toggle Autocharge on when prompted. Full details and vehicle compatibility information are available at chargenet.co.nz/autocharge.
