ChargeNet secures $37.7m government loan for nationwide EV charging expansion

ChargeNet has been awarded $37.7 million from the Government’s Public EV Charging Infrastructure Loans programme to fund the rollout of more than 1700 new charging points nationwide by 2030.

The funding forms part of a $52.7 million government investment that includes $15 million for Meridian Energy, aimed at more than doubling New Zealand’s public charging network to around 4550 charge points.

Transport Minister Chris Bishop says the zero-interest loans will support the installation of 2574 new charge points across both companies – 1374 DC fast chargers and 1200 AC chargers – with ChargeNet and Meridian co-investing $60 million in capital.

New Zealand currently has about 1800 public charge points, giving it among the lowest charger-to-EV ratios in the OECD. The Government has set a target of 10,000 electric vehicle chargers by 2030.

Loan model delivers value for taxpayers

Bishop says the concessionary loan approach keeps taxpayer costs to a minimum compared to direct grants.

“In this case, the average loan per charge point is $20,000, but once repayments are factored in, the net cost to the Crown is around $10,000 per charger, roughly a quarter of what a direct grant would cost,” he says.

The minister describes the situation as a “chicken and egg” problem, with charge point operators reluctant to invest until there are more EVs on the road, while concerns about charging infrastructure availability hold back potential EV buyers.

“The private sector is reluctant to invest in charging infrastructure until there’s sufficient demand, but demand won’t grow until the lack of public chargers stops putting buyers off,” Bishop says.

ChargeNet targets mixed charging strategy

ChargeNet chief executive Danusia Wypych says the expansion will combine the company’s established DC rapid charging network with new AC charging infrastructure designed for longer parking periods.

“With over three and a half million charging sessions to date, our DC rapid chargers are ideal for quick top-ups on the go, getting drivers back on the road in as little as 20 minutes,” Wypych says.

“AC chargers are perfect for longer stays, such as at shopping centres and recreational venues, where vehicles can charge over several hours. So, the two work well together.”

The company operates more than 520 rapid DC charging points nationwide and around 90 AC chargers in communities and destination sites.

Wypych says the network expansion will target both urban and regional sites to ensure reliable access for commuting, inter-regional travel and destinations without home charging options.

Partnerships key to rollout

The new charging points will be delivered through partnerships with existing site hosts and new partners, including major retailers such as Foodstuffs, recreational venues, and regional and city councils.

“This gives us the opportunity to return to communities who have asked for charging support in the past and forge new relationships,” Wypych says.

Bishop says about half the new chargers will be installed across Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, the Wellington region, Christchurch and Dunedin, with the remainder spread throughout regional areas.

The Government is also changing planning rules to make public EV charger installation a permitted activity under the Resource Management Act, removing consent requirements in most cases to speed up delivery.

Bishop says the timing is “fortuitous” given increased interest in EVs as fuel costs surge due to Middle East conflicts, with petrol prices potentially reaching $3.20 per litre driving more consumers to consider electric vehicles for their lower running costs.

The programme is managed by National Infrastructure Funding and Financing (NIFF), with the 10,000 chargers by 2030 target requiring additional Crown investment to be considered in future budget processes.