Switching to an electric vehicle (EV) is an exciting move, but for many first-time EV owners in New Zealand, one of the biggest questions is: How do I charge my EV at home? In this blog, we cover what you need to know about installation, cost, charging time, and ongoing efficiency—so you can charge smarter and save more.
1. What You Need to Charge at Home All EVs come with a standard portable charger (also called a trickle charger) that plugs into a regular 3-pin wall socket. But if you're serious about convenience and charging speed, you'll want a dedicated home charging unit (wallbox) installed by a licensed electrician.
Options:
- 3-Pin Plug (Standard NZ socket): ~2.4kW
- Wallbox Home Charger: 7.4kW (single-phase) or up to 22kW (three-phase)
Installation Cost:
|
Charger Type |
Typical Installation Cost |
|
3-Pin Plug |
$0 (already exists) |
|
Wallbox 7.4kW |
$1,500 - $2,500 |
A wallbox is faster, safer, and can be programmed to take advantage of off-peak rates.
2. How Long Does It Take to Charge? Charging time depends on your EV's battery size and the power output of your charger. Here's a quick estimate:
|
Battery Size |
3-Pin Plug (2.4kW) |
Wallbox (7.4kW) |
|
40kWh |
~17 hours |
~6 hours |
|
60kWh |
~25 hours |
~9 hours |
|
75kWh |
~31 hours |
~10 hours |
Pro Tip: Most Kiwis plug in overnight and wake up to a full battery, especially with a wallbox.
3. How Much Does It Cost to Charge? The cost to charge your EV depends on your electricity rate. As of 2024, the average household rate in NZ is $0.30 per kWh (MBIE Energy Prices).
Example: Nissan Leaf (40kWh)
- Full charge = 40 kWh x $0.30 = $12.00
- Range ~250km, so cost per 100km = $4.80 (plus RUC of $7.00 = $11.80)
Compare that to a petrol car at 7L/100km and $2.80/L = $19.60 per 100km. That’s 1.7x more expensive.
Bar Chart: Cost per 100km Travel
Petrol Car | ████████████ $20
EV (Charging Only) | ███ $5
EV (Charging + RUC) | ██████ $12
4. Off-Peak & Smart Charging Many energy providers offer off-peak rates (as low as $0.12/kWh) during night hours. Smart wallboxes let you schedule charging to maximise these savings.
|
Charging Plan |
Cost per Full Charge (40kWh) |
|
Standard (30c) |
$12.00 |
|
Off-Peak (12c) |
$4.80 |
Ask your retailer about EV plans from companies like Octopus Energy, Meridian, or Contact.
5. Safety & Electrical Requirements EV chargers must meet NZ safety standards. A licensed electrician will:
- Check your home’s circuit capacity
- Install an RCD (residual current device)
- Set up an independent circuit for the wallbox
DIY setups are not recommended—always get it professionally installed.
Conclusion: Worth the Setup for Long-Term Savings Home charging is by far the cheapest and most convenient way to run an EV in New Zealand. While the initial setup may require investment, the long-term savings on fuel—and the convenience of waking up to a full battery—make it well worth it.
Thinking of installing a home EV charger? Contact a local provider and explore energy plans designed for EV owners. Better yet, come along to the local Electrify The Hutt Expo to meet other EV owners, chat with installation experts, and explore the latest charging tech firsthand.