Meridian reports surge in EV charging as fuel concerns rise  

Meridian Energy says demand for electric vehicle charging is surging as concerns over global fuel supply drive growing interest in EVs. 

The company reports a 30% increase in customers using its Zero Charging Network over the last month, alongside a 20% rise in charging sessions. 

Principal product manager Tim Calder says the shift reflects changing attitudes toward transport. 

“The conversation around EVs is beginning to flip. Concerns once centred on charging availability, affordability and range anxiety, but those issues are being addressed and now it’s the reliability of petrol supply that’s being questioned,” Calder says. 

Meridian says its network now includes more than 400 charge points, with plans to roll out a further 900 fast chargers over the next three years. 

Energy analysts say New Zealand has already reached an electrification tipping point, where EVs are cheaper to run over their lifetime than petrol vehicles, even when financing costs are included. 

“That point was reached well before the start of the fuel crisis, so it’s only added to the attraction of EVs,” Calder says. 

He says EVs continue to offer lower running and maintenance costs, with typical overnight home charging costing only a few dollars. 

While acknowledging affordability remains a barrier for some buyers, Calder says the growing second-hand EV market is helping improve access. 

“With more chargers than ever before, more range, and much more awareness, many people are now appreciating that an EV may be perfect for their needs.” 

Meridian says continued investment in charging infrastructure and improvements in vehicle technology will further support EV uptake across New Zealand.