The 'Electric Election': energy policies, side by side
Consumer interest in electric vehicles is rising rapidly in New Zealand, with new data from ChargeNet pointing to growing demand alongside increased real-world usage.
Research commissioned by ChargeNet and carried out by Talbot Mills shows more than 27% of New Zealanders are now considering buying an EV within the next three years, up from 15% in August 2025.
ChargeNet says the increase reflects a shift in how households view EVs as a viable option.
The rise in interest is being matched by activity on the network, with ChargeNet recording seven consecutive weeks of more than 20,000 charging sessions through to the end of April, including four weeks above 22,500 sessions.
The national EV fleet is also continuing to expand, growing 19% year-on-year, while the number of distinct ChargeNet users has increased by 32%.
ChargeNet says the data suggests growing interest is translating into real-world uptake.
However, the company says access — particularly affordability — is now emerging as the main barrier to further growth.
It points to overseas experience, particularly in Australia, where novated leasing has accounted for up to 40–45% of new EV sales during some periods, reaching about 10–12% of eligible employees.
ChargeNet says early modelling work with Rewiring Aotearoa indicates some New Zealand households could be around $75 a week better off leasing a new EV compared with financing an older petrol vehicle, once fuel savings are taken into account.
The company says public charging infrastructure is continuing to expand in line with demand, supported by Government funding through the National Infrastructure Funding and Financing programme.
New DC fast-charging sites are expected to come online over the next three months across Auckland, including Highland Park, Howick, Browns Bay, Glen Innes, Greenlane and Botany, as well as regional locations such as Ohakune, Westport, Te Kuiti, Alexandra and Timaru.
ChargeNet says it is on track to install about 203 AC and DC charge points by December 31, 2026.
It says with infrastructure rollout keeping pace and interest rising, the next phase of EV adoption will depend on improving affordability and access for households.
'Twas the night before Chris-mas, and all through the house, all the voters were stirring, the pundits showing their nous … the election will soon be over, but the energy crisis won't, so we'll be there to pester whoever is in power about the need to run more of the economy on New Zealand-made energy; can Ethiopia's aggressive push for EVs work and how does New Zealand compare in terms of adoption rates?; a two-way charging trial from Genesis shows promise in Auckland, but there's still a way to go before it's mainstream; small electric vehicles are often overlooked when it comes to electrifying transport, but it's hard to miss this weird French one; a solar-powered cafe (and some electric coffee); and we endorse the political vandalism of Keith of All Trades.
Read moreDownloadPoliticians are being urged to adopt stronger electric vehicle incentives ahead of the election. Climate and energy advocacy group Rewiring Aotearoa is arguing that EVs are one of the most effective long-term solutions for rising transport and energy costs. They're promoting an EV Salary Boost proposal, which would allow workers to access EVs through pre-tax salary arrangements – similarly to already existing schemes in the UK and Australia. Policy and Government Relations Spokesperson Ngaio Neumegen told Kerre Woodham that even with the rising cost of power, it's still cheaper to run an EV than a car running on imported fuel.
A proposal that would let New Zealanders lease an electric car using their before-tax pay has not won a commitment from either National or Labour, with the 7 November election days away. Under the EV Salary Boost, put forward by Rewiring Aotearoa and Drive Electric, an employee would lease a new or used EV for three to five years. The payments would come out of their pay before tax, lowering the cost of running the car. The idea is based on Australia’s novated leasing system, though the groups say they are not proposing a direct copy.
Read moreDownload
