An electric car unlocks multiple benefits: it’s easy on the earth and easy on the wallet.
Many factors will affect the cost of charging an electric car, such as your car battery size or vehicle weight. Whether you need a fuel-efficient car hire or you want to test drive an EV before buying, we will show you how to take charge of your EV finances and get the most out of your electric vehicle. 
How much does electric car charging cost at home?
Electric car charging will cost you the equivalent of $1.60c per litre to go from empty to full when charging at home – including road user charges (at the time of writing). Of course, this varies depending on your tariff rate, the time of day (off-peak vs peak), the size of your battery, your vehicle weight, and more.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car at a public charging station?
The cost of charging an electric car will also differ depending on where you choose to charge your electric car.
Dotted around New Zealand are two main types of public charging stations for EVS.
For context, EV batteries store electricity as Direct Current, however, electricity is moved around the local New Zealand electricity network using Alternating Current. Therefore, there are two main types of public charging stations in New Zealand:
1. Direct Current (DC) Charging Stations
DC chargers convert AC power to DC. DC power is then passed to the electric vehicle and stored in the battery.
This method is generally faster and cheaper and does not require your own cable.
2. Alternating Current (AC) Charging Stations
Meanwhile, an AC charging station supplies AC power from the grid to the vehicle. The system then converts the AC power to DC, which is then stored in the battery.
Due to converting the power, this method is generally slower and cheaper and could require you to bring your own cable.
In New Zealand, some charging stations will utilise a combination of both.
The cost of charging your electric vehicle will therefore, also differ depending on the type of public charging station you visit. If charging via an AC station, you can calculate the cost of charging using an online calculator. DC charging stations generally charge between $0.25-$1.15 per kWh, but in some rare instances, you can find free charging stations.
What affects electric car charging costs?
Electric car charging costs can be wide and varied depending on numerous factors. This makes it difficult to cite a one-size-fits-all answer. But, understanding how these factors fit into the equation will be the beginning of solving it.
1. Battery size
Firstly, a car’s battery size.
Measured in kilowatts (kWh), the bigger the battery, the longer it will take to charge it from empty to full. Plus, the more energy it will require. Meaning? EVs with larger batteries will generally cost you more to “fill up”.
Conversely, a smaller battery will need to be recharged more frequently. This means it won’t cost you as much to charge the battery each time, but you will need to charge your EV more often.
2. Power usage
Then, you need to consider how much usage you get out of your EV and the daily kilometres you rack up. The further you drive, the more kilowatts (kWh) you’ll burn through. Plus, the distance of your daily commute will determine how frequently you will need to recharge your battery.
On top of this, the nature of your commutes will also help you figure out how much it’ll cost you to charge your EV. Stop-start journeys use up a lot more energy, so if you’re constantly stuck in peak-hour traffic, you can expect to fill up more often.
3. Charge time
Charging an electric car can be as quick as an 8-minute plug-in with an ultrapid 350kWh charger or up to 48 hours with a portable charger supplied with your vehicle. Your charge time will also depend on the size of your battery and the speed of the charging point you’ve chosen.
A standard electric car with a 70kWh battery requires 10 hours to charge fully from empty utilising a 7kW charging point. However, newer EV models (such as the Tesla Model 3) are often fitted with larger batteries and can also be serviced by the more powerful ultra-rapid EV charging stations.
4. Vehicle weight
Lighter vehicles use fewer kilowatts (kWh) than their larger counterparts, and smaller batteries are usually lighter. So, if you’ve got a heavier vehicle, you may need to fill up more often.
5. Area (tariffs)
One of the biggest factors affecting your electric car charging costs is the household tariffs you pay and whether your agreement allows for things like off-peak rates, flexible tariffs, or time-of-use tariffs. These work by offering customers lower prices during off-peak periods, such as throughout the night or during the early morning hours. If your tariff agreement doesn’t allow for this, you can expect to pay more to charge your EV at home.
6. Time of year
The time of year is also a big influencer of an EV’s charging costs.
Electricity rates can vary by season. During peak demand times in summer and winter, they may be higher, driving up the overall costs of charging. Seasonal temperatures and daylight hours can also affect charging rates.
7. Weather
Extreme heat or cold can often reduce charging efficiency and increase charging costs. In cooler temperatures, batteries need more energy to reach optimal temperatures, leading to longer charging times and higher energy usage. The same is true of extremely hot temperatures.
Cooler temperatures can also mean slower charging rates, resulting in higher charging costs. This is especially true if you’re charging your EV at a time-based public charging station. On the other side of the coin, hot weather can accelerate battery degradation.
8. Environment
The charging costs of EVs are greatly impacted by the electricity source used in the region. Areas relying on fossil fuels for electricity generation may have higher charging costs due to changing fuel prices.
The best electric cars for road trips:
The Tesla Model Y and Tesla Model 3 are highly regarded as the best electric cars for road trips, with some subtle differences:
| Model 3 | Model Y |
| Model 3 has a slightly higher range than Model Y at approximately 576kms. | The Model Y is great for road trips with the whole family as it offers large trunk space for luggage and gear. |
| As a sedan, the Model 3 is more aerodynamic and efficient and would potentially require fewer charging stops on long journeys. | The Model Y has a spacious and roomy interior, providing more space and legroom for passengers. |
| The Model 3 has faster acceleration than the Model Y. | The Model Y’s SUV design and slightly higher ground clearance make it perfect for diverse road conditions. |
| With a maximum charging speed of 250 kW, the Model 3 can quickly add range during stops. | Some Model Y’s offer seats for up to 7 people, making it the ultimate group vehicle. Note that GO Rentals only offers 5-seater Model Ys. |
How long does it take to charge an EV?
In New Zealand, the charge time for an EV depends on a number of factors, including:
- The type of EV chargers
- Charging speed (for example, fast charging vs standard)
- If you’re charging at home or at one of the public charging stations
On average, however, charging an EV at a public charging station in New Zealand typically takes 15-30 minutes to get up to 100 kilometres of range.
Can I save money using an electric car?
Generally, drivers tend to opt for an electric vehicle because of its benefits to both the environment and their wallets. Some of these financial savings come from:
- Electric cars have fewer mechanical moving parts that are susceptible to wear and tear
- Less oil spills, engine leakages, and filters clogging up
- Lack of need for oil and filter changes, which can cost up to $181 per year
- Lack of need to fill up on fuel, which means you can expect to save up to $106 per month of petrol alone, equating to $1,277 a year
The most expensive part of your EV is usually its battery, and this is normally warranted for up to 10 years by most manufacturers.
You can also save costs by making sure that your tariff agreement includes off-peak night rates for when you’re charging at home.
Road-tripping with an EV
Road-tripping with an EV is a fun-filled adventure – especially if you’ve got these tips and tricks under your sleeve:
- Plan your route: Use electric charging maps to reduce any anxiety around running out of range, and map out charging stations along the way before you head off. This will give you peace of mind and give you one less thing to think about!
- Charge up more frequently: Opt to recharge often rather than fully charge at one station. Most EVs will charge the fastest between 20-80% capacity. While your EV charges up, you can use the opportunity to rest up.
- Keep your packing like your emissions – light: Avoid overpacking and bringing anything excessive as this will weigh down your vehicle.
- Manage the need for speed: Keep your driving to a moderate speed, as this helps conserve battery capacity. High speeds can significantly impact energy consumption.
- Regenerative braking: Similarly, don’t forget to make use of your EV’s features, like regenerative braking and EV mode to extend your range.
Charge your vacation with GO Rentals
We have modern Tesla EVs available on both the North and South Island, so you are never too far away from charging ahead with a sustainable car hire in New Zealand.
With no hidden costs, basic insurance coverage, and access to the Tesla dedicated roadside assistance, you can cruise into a hassle-free EV car hire. Your savings are in the palm of your hand with the GO App, from managing your booking to controlling your Tesla. Check your EV battery level on the GO and know when to charge up.
Steer into savings and rev up for an eco-friendly adventure on the road!
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