Meridian Zero public EV charging stations no longer free from September 27

Meridian Energy’s Zero EV charging stations will switch from free AC charging to a 50 cents per kWh flat rate from Wednesday September 27.

For the past few years the Zero network has provided free AC charging with around 660,000kWh used during 57,000 sessions.

Meridian Energy has advised registered Zero users of the change and says all current Meridian (electricity) customers will receive an additional two months of free charging – ending November 30 – to thank them for supporting the network.

Non-Meridian (electricity) customers will have a fortnight’s window to sign up and, in return, receive two months free charging as well as a $300 Meridian account credit.

“The Zero charging network has been free to use for the past three years and grown to be the second largest public charging network in the country,” says Meridian Energy innovation head Ryan Kuggeleijn.

“We are grateful for the way New Zealanders have embraced the network and proud to have supported thousands of pioneering EV drivers through our free charging.”

“The move to payment for charging is necessary to make the network commercially viable and support future investment in the more and faster chargers needed to support more New Zealanders to go electric. Even with paid public charging, the cost of running an EV is still much cheaper than petrol and diesel.”

Kuggeleijn says Meridian is committed to supporting the electrification of New Zealand households and businesses as the country moves towards a net zero future.

“This includes piloting the use of new vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging technology to unlock the potential of home charging, exploring new public charging locations and continuing to eliminate EV charging deserts on South Island highways.”