Have you ever wondered if it’s possible to do a road trip around New Zealand in an electric car? The good news is New Zealand is a great place to explore with an electric vehicle (EV). With many charging stations available you can explore Aotearoa’s hidden gems and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time. We have put together the ultimate guide on electric car charging stations in New Zealand, highlighting the most popular and more difficult areas to travel to and EV charging tips. We hope you will learn hiring an EV can be easy as and all you need is a little bit more planning for your road trip.
Locations of Electric Car Charging Stations in New Zealand
There are 340 public electric car charging stations in New Zealand. If you are hiring an EV to explore New Zealand’s biggest cities such as Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and their surrounding areas you will not have any issues finding a charging station. EV charging stations can be found in a variety of locations in the city centre from fuel stations, and supermarkets to large retailers. However, if your itinerary includes a trip to the West Coast or down south to the Caitlins, be aware the distance between charging stations is a lot greater. But don’t let this put you off exploring these beautiful coastal spots, like any successful road trip planning your route is essential.
To help to plan your EV road trip with charging stations, there are several resources available at your fingertips! We recommend downloading the following apps PlugShare and ChargeNet NZ. Both apps will show you charging station locations around the country and the type of charger available at each location. Another excellent resource is Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency website. The charging stations are listed by region and on a map, including the type of charger available and if there is a charging cost.
Now that you know where you can charge your EV, it’s time to move to the next stage of planning your trip where do want to go? If you are looking for trip inspiration, check out our list of itineraries to travel the North and South Islands. Our itineraries highlight the must-do activities, places to visit, accommodations and dining recommendations.
Different types of Charging Stations
There are different types of chargers available including free-to-use fast charging stations and pay-to-use chargers. The fast-charging stations top up the batteries to 80% capacity in approximately 30-40 minutes. Fast charging causes the battery pack to heat up, therefore if you have planned a long day driving and require more than one fast charge, it is recommended to take occasional driving breaks. This will allow the battery to remain within its normal operating temperature range.
Charging at your Accommodation
Another way to charge your EV on your road trip is to book accommodation that offers EV charging service. Check with your rental company if they have a cable to allow slow charging via a normal power point, or the different cable required to connect to some slower public charging points. This is a great way to keep the charge of your EV if you are travelling in areas where there is a greater distance between charging points.
EV Charging Tips
To help make your battery last longer we have included a couple of tips for your trip.
- Temperature conditions can affect your battery power and efficiency. If you are travelling in peak summer or winter time in New Zealand, you may need to consider where you park your EV. Park in the shade on a hot day and park in a garage during winter to help maintain your battery's performance.
- Be mindful when charging your EV, keeping your battery charge level between 20% and 80% can improve the overall lifespan of your battery.
- When charging your EV standard charging is better for battery health, fast charging is convenient, but it can strain your EV battery and cause faster degradation.
- Make sure you know the suitable charger for your vehicle: slow chargers are best for overnight charging, fast chargers provide a quick boost, and rapid chargers are the fastest but more expensive option.
In summary, New Zealand offers an exciting and eco-friendly opportunity to explore its beautiful landscapes with an EV. With a bit of planning and the EV charging tips outlined you can enjoy a stress-free EV rental experience.
Ready to start planning your EV Road Trip?
To get started, check out our Nissan Leaf EV that you can hire for hire at Auckland and Wellington branches from Mode Rentals. Or reach out to a member of staff if you have any questions, our team are always willing to share their passion for travel and tips.
Happy travels!
__Mode Rentals
