Transport plays a major role as part of New Zealand’s goal of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The aim is that by 2030, 50% of monthly vehicle sales in New Zealand need to be electric. The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) made a submission that 50% of light vehicle imports will be electric by 2027, with 40% of the fleet electric by 2035.

Whilst electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular in New Zealand, there comes a need for a comprehensive understanding of how to charge them. We’ll try to do it justice…

Charging Stations

These are commonly referred to as electric vehicle charging stations, but their official label is EVSE – electric vehicle supply equipment – and there are different ‘modes’.

Mode 1 = socket: standard socket outlet – domestic installation. In New Zealand, it is not permitted to install a socket-outlet with the intention to provide Mode 1 charging for a vehicle.

Mode 2 = wallbox: standard socket outlet with an AC EV supply equipment – domestic installation. Involves the use of a special cable with integrated shock protection again AC and DC currents. In New Zealand, it is not permitted to use or allow the use of a Mode 2 supply for public charging for an electric vehicle. AC slow charging stations are commonly found in homes and public spaces and take several hours to charge an EV battery.

Mode 3 = AC station: AC EV equipment permanently connected to an AC supply network. Is a connector cable between the charging station and the electric car. Permitted in New Zealand. AC fast charging stations are less common but can charge an EV battery in just a few hours.

Mode 4 = DC station: DC EV supply equipment and permitted in New Zealand. DC fast charging stations are the quickest, taking just 30 minutes to an hour to fully charge an EV battery.

Cost of Charging

The cost of charging an EV in New Zealand can vary depending on the type of charging station and the electricity rate. Slow charging at home is generally the cheapest option, with the cost of electricity adding a few dollars to the monthly power bill. Fast charging at a public charging station can cost up to several dollars per hour, with prices varying between charging network providers.

Most EVs can be charged at home using a slow AC charging station. This is typically the cheapest and most convenient option for EV owners, as it allows them to charge their vehicle overnight while they sleep. EV owners must install a charging station at their home by a qualified electrician.

Unsafe practices and conditions

The following are considered unsafe for the supply of electricity to an electric vehicle, or the use of EVSE:

1. use of any EV adaptor that is not specifically supplied by the vehicle manufacturer or by the EVSE manufacturer
2. use of a socket-outlet adaptor
3. cascading of two or more supply leads
4. use of an extension lead
5. use of portable socket outlets including EPOD and PSOA
6. use of a single socket outlet for the supply of more than one vehicle at a time
7. use of EVSE that is not labelled by the manufacturer as being compatible with a 230 V, 50 Hz supply

Do it right, be safe

There are guides (here’s a link to the Worksafe EV Guidelines), regulations and legislation in place for the protection of everyone. Protection against electric shock is a big one – an isolating transformer should not be used as the sole means of protection against electric shock for the supply of electric vehicle charging. This is especially important when it comes to a vehicle socket outlet installed outdoors. Bottom line – you need to know what you’re doing and check your setup every 12 months. So give us a call for a chat about installing or tagging yours.