Prime Minister Chris Luxon has reaffirmed the Government's target of 10,000 public electric vehicle (EV) charge points by 2030, saying it will continue working with private companies to expand the network if re-elected.

Speaking to Newstalk ZB about the future of EVs in New Zealand, Luxon said the Government remained committed to the target, despite questions over whether it is on track to deliver the promised infrastructure.

“10,000 are coming by [2030]," Luxon said.

"We put concessionary loans in place, and we've got up to [a level] that will enable about 4,500.

“We put $50 million in, and two of the providers put in $60 million, just like we did ultra-fast broadband, and we're going to keep building that out. So, yep, we'll shoot for 10,000.”

The Government's approach to EV infrastructure has been to co-fund private-sector investment rather than build and operate public charging stations itself.

In March 2026, it awarded $52.7 million in zero-interest loans to ChargeNet and Meridian Energy to support the rollout of 2574 new public EV charge points.

The planned expansion includes 1374 DC fast chargers and 1200 AC chargers, with the two companies expected to contribute additional investment.

However, the latest figures suggest there is still considerable work to do.

According to data reported by Newsroom, New Zealand had 2220 active public EV charge points as of June 2026, up from 1785 in 2024 and 2091 in 2025.

Even with the additional 2574 charge points planned through the Government's funding programme, the network would still need further expansion to reach 10,000 by the end of the decade.

The Government's target is roughly one public charge point for every 40 EVs on New Zealand roads.

Luxon also pointed to improvements in EV technology and the potential for rooftop solar and home battery systems as factors that could encourage more people to make the switch.

“Electric cars are getting better and they're getting cheaper,” he said.

“I mean, the range on those cars has gone from like 300 to 400 [kilometres] up to 1000 kilometres in some cases. So range anxiety is coming down. The cars are getting better; they're getting cheaper.”

He said expanding rooftop solar and battery storage would also increase New Zealand's electricity generation, give EV owners more opportunities to charge at home, and improve resilience during extreme weather events.

The comments come as fuel prices remain a significant concern for New Zealand motorists ahead of the 2026 General Election, with rising petrol and diesel costs potentially making electric vehicles more attractive to buyers.

Luxon vows to 'shoot for 10,000' EV chargers in NZ by 2030

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