Fewer Chargers, Smarter Spending: ENA Challenges EV Target Numbers

Electricity Networks Aotearoa (ENA) says new research shows the South Island is already well on the way to meeting public EV charging needs for 2030 — but a smart, targeted approach is essential to avoid unnecessary spending.

The Government has committed to installing 10,000 public EV chargers across the country by 2030. To support this, ENA and the South Island’s lines companies commissioned DETA Consulting to forecast public charging demand and identify where journey chargers will be most needed.

The study found that, at most, only 107 additional 50kW chargers are needed across key South Island locations to meet peak charging demand by 2030.

If the South Island, which has around 24% of New Zealand’s population, needs 107 additional chargers, it suggests that less than 500 charges may be needed across the whole country to meet 2030 demand. That’s well below the 10,000 public chargers currently targeted.

“These findings are good news,” says ENA Chief Executive Tracey Kai. “They show that with careful planning and coordination, we can support EV uptake across the South Island without overbuilding infrastructure or passing unnecessary costs on to consumers.”

The report highlights where chargers are needed the most, including Amberley, Springs Junction, Lake Tekapo, Balclutha, Cheviot, Picton, Arthurs Pass, Akaroa, Greymouth, and Culverden.

“Some areas already have enough chargers in place to meet 2030 demand. That’s why it’s so important we focus investment where it’s really needed — not just chase big targets,” says Kai.

ENA is working with North Island lines companies to explore completing a similar study, so together we can build a national picture of our EV journey charging needs.

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