Drive Electric releases home and workplace charging guide

Drive Electric has released a comprehensive white paper examining electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at home and workplace settings, as New Zealand’s transition to electric mobility continues to accelerate.

The report, titled “Home Charging / Work EVs”, provides practical guidance for homeowners, businesses and policymakers on optimising EV charging infrastructure where most charging actually occurs.

Home charging infrastructure key to EV adoption

The white paper emphasises that installing a dedicated home charger offers significant advantages over relying on standard domestic outlets. While technically possible to charge using an 8–10 amp domestic outlet, this method provides only about 10km of range per hour and should be treated as a backup option, according to the report.

Upgrading to a wall-mounted AC charger delivers substantially faster charging speeds, providing up to 40km of range per hour in many cases. The paper highlights that utilising off-peak energy rates and smart-charger features such as timers and load-balancing enables EV drivers to reduce running costs while minimising stress on the electricity grid.

Aligning charging times with periods of higher renewable energy share in the grid can further boost environmental benefits, the report notes.

Workplace charging presents business opportunities

For commercial settings, the white paper examines how businesses can integrate EV charging infrastructure into site planning, manage electrical loads effectively, and engage staff to maximise utilisation and benefits.

The report outlines practical considerations for employers and property managers looking to provide charging facilities, recognising workplace charging as an increasingly important component of New Zealand’s EV ecosystem.

Infrastructure challenges identified

The white paper acknowledges several challenges facing the expansion of home and workplace charging, including upgrading electrical infrastructure at older homes or leased premises, assessing building and wiring capability, and navigating landlord-tenant arrangements.

Range anxiety and concerns about whether EVs suit high-usage drivers are also addressed in the report.

While public fast-charging infrastructure remains important, the white paper emphasises that home and work charging contexts form the backbone of everyday EV use, accounting for a large share of charging events and presenting a key area for investment and policy support.

Stakeholder recommendations

The report provides specific guidance for different groups. Homeowners are advised to prioritise installing dedicated chargers for long-term EV use and investigate off-peak charging plans and smart-charging features.

Employers and property managers are encouraged to understand their site’s electrical capacity, engage with staff about EV charging needs, and view charging infrastructure as part of their asset and sustainability strategy.

For policymakers, the paper emphasises that facilitating home and work charging, including in rental, multi-unit and leased property contexts, is as vital as building fast-charging networks.

The white paper represents a shift in focus from purely public charging infrastructure to a more holistic view of how New Zealanders actually use EVs in daily life. As EV market expansion continues, the location and method of charging will increasingly influence the success of the transition to electric mobility.