New Zealand is a beautiful country with plenty to offer nature lovers. It is a popular destination for road trips, and an electric car is a great way to explore the country.
In this blog I explain everything you need to know about renting an electric car in New Zealand. How is the charging network, what are the costs of renting and charging an electric car, and how to find the best electric car rental company.
Contents
Fast chargers & charging network in New Zealand
The charging network in New Zealand is well developed. There are fast chargers along the main routes, and there are also many charging stations at hotels, restaurants and other facilities. Still, you do need to plan ahead. In practice you see electric cars mainly in the big cities and on the North Island. If you are used to the Netherlands, you will hardly see the charging stations. They are often at large retail chains, hotels or just around the corner. Along the road you hardly see them.
Map of charging stations & fast chargers in New Zealand
In 2023 there were about 1,500 public charging stations in New Zealand, of which approximately 200 fast chargers. The fast chargers are usually found along the main highways, such as State Highway 1 (SH1).
On PlugShare you can clearly see that New Zealand has an excellent charging network, full of fast chargers. Do you still need to go to remote places? Then always plan your route via for example A Better Route Planner.
ChargeNet has the largest charging network
ChargeNet has the largest nationwide network of 50 kW DC fast charging stations and installs more hyperchargers (300 kW for 3 simultaneous charging sessions) wherever possible to keep up with the increasing demand for electric vehicles in New Zealand.
You can also visit charge.net.nz/map to find location information about their current and future fast charging stations in New Zealand or download the ChargeNet app to access their nationwide charging network on the go. Make sure you have this app on your phone, because you will undoubtedly come across a charging station.
Tesla Superchargers are also available in New Zealand
At the time of writing, Tesla has 18 Superchargers in New Zealand. You guessed it: you mainly find these in the bigger cities. We also came across one in Rotorua for example. This one felt like it was on the edge of an industrial area, although McDonalds and Burger King were around the corner. So sometimes you have to search a bit, but they are there.
Costs of renting and charging an electric car in New Zealand
The costs of renting an electric car in New Zealand are comparable to the costs of renting a petrol car. Rental prices vary depending on the type of car, rental period and car rental company.
The costs of charging an electric car in New Zealand are also comparable to the costs of refueling a petrol car. The costs per kilowatt hour vary depending on the charging speed and charging station.
Cost example charging vs petrol
The costs of charging an electric car in New Zealand vary depending on the charging speed and charging station. The average costs per kilowatt hour are about 0.80 NZD per kWh. You can best check the current prices at ChargeNet. They have their prices listed on their map.
In general, an electric car drives about 5 to 7 kilometers per 1 kWh.
In general, a petrol car drives about 10 to 15 kilometers per 1 liter of petrol. In 2023 you pay about 3 NZD per liter.
So you can safely say that electric driving is cheaper based on kilometers. Still, the rental price is often a bit higher, because electric cars are more expensive (but often also more luxurious).
Are you traveling with two people and want to rent an electric car? Then the charging network is definitely there and driving doesn’t even have to be very expensive! Are you traveling with a family and need space? Then a fuel car can be more advantageous especially because of the size and rental price.
Electric driving on North Island, South Island or both?
In practice we saw few electric cars on the South Island. The distances are greater, the population numbers are smaller and therefore the offer is small. The North Island is much more densely populated and therefore there is sufficient supply here. My advice if you want to drive electric in New Zealand and still choose certainty: rent an electric car on the North Island, take the ferry without a car and rent a (hybrid) car in Picton.
At the ferry you can drop off and/or pick up your car. Then you make the crossing as a foot passenger and pick up your next car. This might even save you costs on the ferry!
Tips for the best electric car rental company in New Zealand
There are many different car rental companies in New Zealand that rent electric cars. To find the best electric car rental company, you can follow these tips:
- Compare different car rental companies. Compare the prices, the range of cars and the location of their offices before making a decision.
- Book in advance. Especially in high season it is smart to book early. The closer you book in advance, the fewer options there are.
An electric car is a great way to explore New Zealand. The charging network in New Zealand is well developed, and the costs of renting and charging an electric car are affordable. By doing your homework and finding the best electric car rental company, you can enjoy your trip without worry. And if you really want certainty: drive electric only on the North Island, take the ferry as a foot passenger and then rent a (hybrid) car.
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