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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.
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