NZ lags in global EV-friendly rankings

New Zealand has ranked among the world’s least EV-friendly countries in a new international index, with limited public charging infrastructure identified as one of the biggest barriers to wider electric vehicle adoption.

The research, compiled by Compare the Market, ranked New Zealand 22nd out of 25 countries with an overall EV-friendliness score of 29.08 out of 100.

The study found New Zealand has just 0.33 public chargers per 1,000 drivers, placing it well behind leading EV markets such as Norway (8.62), South Korea (14.22) and China (6.60).

While the average cost of driving an EV 100km in New Zealand was calculated at US$32.97 (NZ$58), putting it in the middle of the ranks, the report suggests the country’s low ranking is driven more by charging availability and relatively modest EV uptake than operating costs alone.

New Zealand’s EV market share was recorded at 5.58%, compared with 95.88% in Norway, which topped the rankings ahead of China and South Korea.

The report notes the findings align with guidance from the International Energy Agency, which says widespread public charging infrastructure is essential to accelerating EV adoption, particularly for motorists who cannot charge at home.

At the bottom of the index were South Africa, Mexico and Chile, while the United Arab Emirates ranked just ahead of New Zealand in 21st place.

Norway retained the top position thanks to its combination of high EV adoption, extensive charging infrastructure and policies supporting electric vehicle uptake, narrowly ahead of China.