With electric vehicle (EV) adoption accelerating across New Zealand, having a reliable EV charging app is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re commuting in Auckland or taking a road trip through the South Island, a smart app helps EV owners locate charging stations, check real-time availability, compare pricing, and plan stops more efficiently. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the Top EV Charging Apps NZ 2025, based on functionality, coverage, user experience, and price transparency.
PlugShare – The Go-To Charging Map for EV Owners
PlugShare remains one of the most comprehensive EV charging apps globally, and in 2025, its presence in New Zealand has only strengthened. It offers a community-driven platform where EV owners can view, rate, and comment on charging stations. The interactive charging map displays real-time charger status, filterable by connector type, network provider, and payment options.
Key features:
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Real-time updates on availability
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Crowd-sourced reviews from local EV drivers
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Route planning with charging stops
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Integration with most EV navigation systems
PlugShare’s strength lies in its massive community database and consistent updates, making it an ideal companion for both daily use and long-distance journeys.
ChargeNet NZ – Homegrown and Reliable
As New Zealand’s largest EV charging network, ChargeNet’s app is tailored for Kiwis. In 2025, it supports over 300 fast-charging stations and continues expanding. The app lets you start and stop sessions remotely, track your charging history, and manage payments seamlessly.
Key features:
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Real-time charger availability
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Secure payment options within the app
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Detailed station information including kW speed and cost
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Account management for personal or business use
What makes ChargeNet stand out is its deep integration with the local EV ecosystem and consistent reliability in both urban and rural areas.
Zap-Map – New to NZ, Powerful Tools
Originally popular in the UK, Zap-Map entered the New Zealand market in late 2024 and is quickly becoming a contender. It brings robust route planning features and predictive availability tools that help reduce wait times at popular locations.
Key features:
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Predictive charger occupancy trends
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Comprehensive filters for station types and networks
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Smart route planner that prioritizes time over distance
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Community rating and live status updates
Zap-Map is ideal for tech-savvy EV drivers who want data-driven insights when choosing the best route and charging spots.
Google Maps – EV Functionality Evolved
Google Maps has stepped up its game for EV owners. In 2025, its integration with real-time EV data is surprisingly accurate and user-friendly. It now includes charging station availability, estimated wait times, and compatible connector types for your vehicle.
Key features:
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Seamless integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
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Estimated time-to-full-charge with real-time traffic taken into account
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Reviews and images of charging stations
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Filter by plug type and power output
While it doesn’t offer the in-depth community engagement of PlugShare, Google Maps scores high on convenience and accuracy.
EVRoam – Government-Backed Accuracy
EVRoam is a data platform operated by Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency) and is used by many apps as a backend. While it’s not a consumer-facing app, many of the top EV charging apps NZ 2025 pull their live data from EVRoam for accuracy and standardization.
If you’re using apps like ChargeNet or PlugShare, chances are you’re already benefiting from EVRoam’s highly reliable data feed.
Honorable Mentions
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JuicePass (by Enel X): Gaining traction with European car brands entering the NZ market.
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EV Connect: Excellent for fleet operators managing multiple EVs.
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NewMotion: Useful for travelers with imported vehicles from Europe.
Why EV Charging Apps Matter in 2025
The EV landscape is rapidly changing. With more public chargers being installed and user demand increasing, EV charging apps help prevent downtime, improve trip planning, and ensure cost efficiency. The best apps combine real-time charging maps, transparent pricing, and user feedback—essential tools for every EV driver.
For EV owners, the right app can save time, money, and frustration. Whether you’re a new EV driver or a long-time enthusiast, staying informed through one or more of these apps ensures smoother, smarter journeys.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which is the best EV charging app in NZ for 2025?
A: For local reliability and integration, ChargeNet is best. For community insights and extensive data, PlugShare is unmatched.
Q: Are these apps free to use?
A: Yes, most are free to download. Some features, like advanced route planning, may require a premium version.
Q: Can I see charging costs before starting a session?
A: Yes. Apps like ChargeNet and PlugShare display pricing per kWh and any connection fees upfront.
Q: Do I need multiple apps?
A: It’s helpful to use more than one app to cross-reference availability and pricing, especially when traveling long distances.
Q: What’s the most accurate EV charging map?
A: PlugShare and apps using EVRoam data tend to have the most up-to-date and crowd-verified maps.
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