The Government has announced the launch of the first national EV charging strategy.

Called Charging Our Future, the strategy includes plans to provide EV charging stations in almost every town in New Zealand.

It aims to provide journey charging hubs every 150 – 200 kilometres on main highways.

The strategy’s initial focus is on charging for light EVs but also recognises areas where other vehicle modes and zero-emission energy sources may fall within scope, such as commercial heavy vehicles and green hydrogen.

“Our vision is for Aotearoa New Zealand to have world-class EV charging infrastructure that is accessible, affordable, convenient, and reliable,” Transport Minister Michael Wood said.

“Emissions from our light vehicle fleet are the single largest source of transport emissions in New Zealand, partially due to having some of the most fuel inefficient and emissions intensive vehicles in the OECD.”

The strategy also includes a public charger for every 20-40 EVs in urban areas, and public charging at community facilities for all settlements with 2000 or more people.

Wood said meeting the targets would see tens of thousands more EV chargers across the country.

“These new targets carefully balance facilitating infrastructure to support different trips and journeys that EV drivers make, while ensuring that rural and provincial New Zealand locations are accessible for residents and visitors with EVs,” he said.

The Government will collaborate with local government and industry across transport, energy, and other sectors to deliver on these initiatives.

A draft Strategy and public discussion document is available from 22 March to 11 May.