Energy use for EV owners

Is it cheaper to charge at home or use public chargers?

Charging at home is almost always the cheapest option for EV owners in New Zealand.

• Home charging: When you charge using an EV-friendly plan, the cost per kilometre is typically much lower than using public fast chargers. Check the fine print because this assumes some amount of EV charging. 
• Public charging: Fast chargers are convenient for road trips or top-ups, but they’re usually two to three times more expensive than charging at home.
• When it can vary: Your exact costs depend on your plan, how often you drive, and whether you charge during cheaper time periods or use solar power.

Which power plans work best for EV owners?

Not every power plan is the same. Some plans are more suited to people who can shift their energy use, and often people with EVs can do this. When comparing options, it's wise to consider:

• Cheaper night rates: Time-of-use or EV plans that have lower prices later in the evening, making it cheaper to charge while you sleep. This may mean daytime rates go up.
• EV-specific perks: Some plans offer charging credits, bonuses, or off-peak hours designed for EV drivers.
• Time-of-use plans: If your household is mostly out during the day, charging overnight on an off-peak or EV plan is usually cheaper than charging during the day, unless you have solar.

Remember, your EV is just one of many power-consuming devices in your home, so it's important to consider your overall usage when deciding.

What kind of EV charger options are there?

Most EV owners charge their EV at home, so it’s a good idea to know what options are out there. Here are the most common options:

• Portable plug-in charger: A portable charger that usually comes with your EV. They’re easy to use but slow and not designed to be the main way to charge at home.
• Wall-mounted charger: Wall-mounted chargers are faster, safer, and more efficient than portable cables. They need to be installed off the street by a qualified electrician.
• ‘Smart’ wall-mounted charger: Some chargers have ‘smart’ features that let you connect to an app or timer to schedule charging at off-peak times. It helps you make the most of lower rates or monitor energy use and charging history.

Remember, you must use a qualified electrician to install a wall charger; they’ll also check that your home’s wiring and switchboard can handle the extra load. 

Extra support

Looking to understand more about the benefits of owning or charging an EV? You can find more answers to common questions at EECAExternal Link, opens in a new tab, New Zealand's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority.