EV Savings Calculator

Electric vehicles are dramatically cheaper to run than petrol cars in New Zealand. A typical EV costs approximately $3–4 per 100 km in electricity (charging at home overnight at around 25–30 cents/kWh), compared to $15–20 per 100 km for a petrol car travelling at NZ's average fuel prices of around $3.00/litre. Over 14,000 km per year, this equates to an EV fuel cost of around $420–560 versus $2,100–2,800 for petrol — a saving of $1,500–2,000 per year on fuel alone. EVs also have fewer moving parts, so servicing costs are generally lower (no oil changes, simpler brakes). Over a 10-year ownership period, total running cost savings can exceed $20,000. Source: EECA Energywise — EV Running Costs (energywise.govt.nz).

The Clean Car Discount was a New Zealand government scheme that provided rebates on new and used low-emission vehicles to encourage EV uptake and reduce transport emissions. At its peak, rebates reached up to $8,625 for new EVs and $3,450 for used imported EVs. However, the scheme was repealed by the incoming National-led government in December 2023, effective from 31 December 2023. New EV purchases after that date no longer qualify for a government rebate. Despite this, EVs remain substantially cheaper to run, and many dealers offer their own incentives. The NZ government continues to mandate that importers meet Clean Car Standard fleet-average emission targets, which still drives availability of low-emission vehicles. Source: Waka Kotahi NZTA — Clean Car Programme (nzta.govt.nz).

Charging an EV at home in New Zealand is the most cost-effective option. Most households use a standard 7–8 kW home charger (Mode 2 or Mode 3), which can fully charge a typical 60 kWh battery overnight in 8–10 hours. The cost depends on your electricity retailer's rate: the national average residential electricity price is approximately 32–38 cents per kWh (2024–25). Charging a 60 kWh battery from empty costs around $20–23. For 14,000 km per year (average 18 kWh/100 km), total annual home charging cost is approximately $800–950. Some retailers offer cheaper overnight EV charging rates. Installing a dedicated home EV charger costs $800–2,000 depending on your electrical panel. Public fast chargers (50–150 kW) cost roughly 45–65 cents/kWh. Source: EECA Energywise (energywise.govt.nz).

New Zealand's public EV charging network has grown rapidly and now covers most major routes and centres. The two largest networks are ChargeNet NZ, with over 400 charging sites nationwide, and Meridian Energy's EV charging network. BP Pulse, Z Energy, and Charge Together also operate public chargers. The government has funded the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) programme to increase rural and highway coverage. Most petrol stations on State Highway 1 between Auckland and Christchurch have DC fast chargers (50+ kW), and the South Island main routes are increasingly covered. Apps like ChargeNet, PlugShare, and NZTA's EV Journey Planner help drivers locate chargers. Charging times range from 20–45 minutes for a fast top-up to several hours at slower AC chargers. Source: NZTA — EV Journey Planner (nzta.govt.nz) and ChargeNet NZ (chargenet.nz).