Frequently Asked Questions

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Do I need an account to use the ChargeNet network?

Yes, to use the ChargeNet network you will need to create an account. Creating a ChargeNet account is simple, free and takes just a few minutes. Once you’ve signed up, you’ll be able to access the rapid charging network instantly and enjoy easy billing and payment. To create your account, click the ‘Sign Up’ button.

How do I create a ChargeNet account?

Creating a ChargeNet account is simple, free and takes just a few minutes. Once you’ve signed up, you’ll be able to access the rapid charging network instantly and enjoy easy billing and payment. To create your account click the ‘Sign Up’ button. Next, enter your details and add your credit or debit card, and you’re ready to hit the road. Within your account, you can start a charging session, monitor your usage, and download your invoices.

How do I start a charging session?

We offer multiple ways to start a charging session. You can charge in one of the following ways:

Remotely via the app or start charge page:
You can activate a charging session using your smartphone via the app or going to charge.net.nz and clicking on start charge.

By RFID fob:
You can activate a charging session using the RFID fob linked to your account. Simply swipe or tap the RFID fob on the designated area on the charging station.

If you need additional support:
You can phone our 24/7 support line on 0800 224 274 and we can activate the charging station for you.

How do I pay for my charging session?

To start a charging session you will need to create a ChargeNet account (sign up here). Once you have created an account and loaded a debit or credit card you will be able to use the network. Your credit or debit card will be billed at the end of each charging session. At the start of each month, ChargeNet will email you a statement/invoice for your previous month’s charging. Please ensure that your email system will accept emails from noreply@charge.net.nz and your account has an up-to-date credit or debit card to ensure your account stays active.

How do I find an EV charging station?

Both the ChargeNet app and the ChargeNet website feature a map of New Zealand showing all our chargers, live availability and maintenance status. You can zoom into a station to view more details and click on a specific station to find the address. On our website, there’s also a customisable filter enabling you to select AC or DC chargers, and to filter out planned chargers that aren’t yet up and running. If you’re using the ChargeNet app, you’ll automatically be shown your nearest ChargeNet charging station.

Some EVs are equipped with onboard navigation systems that give directions to the closest charger when your battery is getting low. In other EVs, your can programme your favourite charging stations into your nav system.

Both Google and Apple Maps have most of our charging stations listed, but be aware some of our newer stations may not be listed on these apps yet.

Third-party apps like Plugshare and PowerTrip contain searchable databases of all available chargers. We recommend you create an account and enter the details of your EV, which will enable you to search for compatible chargers. It’s good practice to log into PlugShare when you start charging, as it helps other drivers see the charger is working and available.

How do I start charging my EV?

Open your charge port, choose the appropriate connector, and click it into your vehicle’s charge socket securely. Some EVs require you to turn them off before initiating a charge, check your vehicle’s manual for details. But they can all be turned back on once you are charging. You can activate a session in one of the following ways:

Remotely via the app or start charge page:
You can activate a charging session using your smartphone via the ChargeNet app or going to charge.net.nz and clicking on start charge.

By RFID fob: 
You can activate a charging session using the RFID fob linked to your account. Simply swipe or tap the RFID fob on the designated area on the charging station and select start.

How long will it take to charge my EV?

There are three main variables that impact the speed at which your EV will draw power from a charger: what model EV you have, how many kW you want, and whether you’re charging the first half or second half of your battery – the first half is quicker to charge. You can learn more about this subject here: How long will it take to charge my EV?

Recently, ChargeNet has installed 300kW hyper-rapid EV chargers. The massive output of these hyper-rapid chargers can boost the range of some modern EVs by 100km in less than 5 minutes or up to 40km in 15 minutes. Even if your EV has a lower maximum wattage, you’re still able to use these rapid chargers at lower speeds, and they charge three cars at once, so you’re less likely to need to wait. We’re installing more of these impressive chargers in strategic locations where they’ll be most valuable to Kiwi EV drivers on their journeys.

In addition to our DC charging points, we also have AC chargers that can output between 7–22kW of power. The maximum power inflow available is limited to the charging ability of your vehicle. Many AC chargers are free outside supermarkets and shopping centres, enabling you to ‘opportunity charge’ while running errands.

*charging speeds are dependent on many factors that we have no control over, such as your car’s BMS settings and the temperature. We can only give you general guidelines.

The speed of charging changes as you charge

If you’ve noticed your EV charges quickly to begin with and then slows down, you’re not imagining it! Your EV has a battery management system (BMS) that controls the rate of charge in order to protect the battery. The BMS will ensure your battery will never be damaged during a charge, no matter how hot or full it gets. ChargeNet’s 50kW DC charging stations will automatically charge to 80%, because that’s all you’ll usually need, and the last 20% of a battery is always the slowest to charge. If you need more charge for your journey, push the 80% max button on the charger, and it will allow you to charge to 95%.

How much does it cost to charge?

The average charging session will cost between $5 and $15 using a rapid or hyper-rapid charging station. These costs may differ depending on what level charger you are using and the size of your battery. If you have a vehicle with a large, or slow battery it will cost more than average. Prices are set at a charging station level and vary across the network. Please refer to the Charge page at app.charge.net.nz or download the ChargeNet app for a full list of current charging rates.

Understanding the difference between AC and DC charging

AC (e.g. slow charging at home or using public destination chargers) is alternating current, and DC (also known as rapid or hyper-rapid charging) is direct current. AC charging is slower because the power from the grid uses the vehicle’s small onboard charger to charge the battery. In contrast, a DC charging point has a massive charger inside the station. We’ve written an article about this topic if you’d like to know more – EV charging: the difference between AC and DC.

What happens if I can’t start a charging session on a 50kW rapid charger?

Check out our troubleshooting list, and if that fails, call our friendly 24/7 support centre on 0800 224 274.

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