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 ā€˜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 ā€˜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 stations?

ChargeNet has installed rapid and hyper-rapid charging stations throughout the country. With a network of more than 250 strategically positioned rapid charging stations (and expanding), we give EV drivers a convenient and reliable EV charging network throughout New Zealand. From Cape Reinga to Bluff, we’ve got you covered.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has also been busy putting up the official EV charger sign along the main state highways. While they are fantastic, they are only any use if you drive past one. Fortunately, there are several other methods to find our stations.

Both theĀ ChargeNet appĀ and theĀ ChargeNet websiteĀ have a map of New Zealand showing all our chargers and which ones are busy or down for maintenance. Zoom in to see the detail, or click on a station for the address. If accessing the map on our website, you can use the filter to customize the map to suit you by removing all the AC chargers from the map or removing the chargers that are planned but not yet up and running. If using the app on the go, it will automatically find the closest ChargeNet 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, you can programme your favourite charging stations into your nav system.

Both Google and Apple maps have most of our charging stations listed. Be aware that newer stations may not be listed on these apps yet.

Third-party apps likeĀ PlugshareĀ andĀ PowerTripĀ are searchable databases of all available chargers. We recommend you create an account and enter your EV details. That way, you can easily search for the chargers that your EV can use. Be a good Plugshare citizen and log in when you are charging. It helps the following driver know the charger is working and available.

We don’t print directories of our chargers because we are constantly adding more charge points and stations to our network.

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 sessionĀ in one of the following ways:

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

By RFID fob:Ā 
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?

At a 50kW ChargeNet DC rapid charger, you can usually expect to add about a 66 km range in 15 minutes. The three main variables* are: what model EV you have, how many kW you want, and which part of your battery you are charging, i.e., the lower half is quicker than the top half. You can learn more about this subject here – How long will it take to charge my EV?

Recently, ChargeNet has installedĀ 300 kW hyper-rapid EV chargers. The massive output of these hyper-rapid chargers can charge some modern EVs to 100km in less than 5 minutes or 400km in up to 15 minutes. Even if your EV cannot take such a high wattage, you can still use them at lower speeds. Your EV will automatically choose the speed that suits it best. Plus, they can each charge three cars at once, so you are less likely to need to wait. We are installing more of these powerful beasts in strategic locations where they will get the most use.

ChargeNetā€˜s AC charging points offer between 7 -22 kW of power. The actual AC charger is onboard your car, and maximum power inflow is limited to your charger’s ability. For example, some older EVs can only accept 3.3kW. If your EV can accept a 7 kW charge, it should take approx.* 2.5 hours to get 100km or 15 minutes for 10 km, which is usually enough to get you to the closest rapid charger. Another benefit is you can opportunity charge, for free, whilst shopping. And the only restriction on how long you may stay depends on each car park.

*charging speeds are dependent on many factors over which we have no control, 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

ā€œAt first, it seems really fast, and then it slows down.ā€ You aren’t imagining it. Your EV has a battery management system (BMS) that controls the rate of charge. Each EV is different, but the BMS is there to protect your EV, so that a rapid charger will never damage it, no matter how hot it gets, nor how full it gets. ChargeNet 50kw DC charging stations default to an 80% charge because that’s all you usually need, and that portion of the battery is reasonably quick to charge. If you need more charge to get to your next destination, push the 80% max button on the charger, and it will switch to a 95% charge.

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 atĀ app.charge.net.nzĀ or download theĀ 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 ourĀ troubleshooting list, and if that fails, call our friendly 24/7 support centre on 0800 224 274.

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