In May 2025, the Ministry for the Environment proposed new national rules to make it easier to install EV charging infrastructure without lengthy resource consent processes. This is part of the Government’s ambitious goal to enable 10,000 public EV charging points by 2030. Read the full discussion document here.
The proposals would create four categories of permitted EV charging activities:
- Private Charging (Home/Work)
- Public Charging in Transport Corridors
- Ancillary Charging at Businesses
- Standalone Charging Hubs
Key Benefits for EV Drivers:
- Lower costs
- Faster network expansion
- Better coverage
- Consistent rules
In June, Drive Electric notified its members about these proposals which could transform Aotearoa’s EV charging landscape. The Government needed feedback from actual EV users on what works and what doesn’t. We encouraged submissions to help shape rules that will accelerate Aotearoa’s transition to electric transport – every submission counts in building a better charging network for all Kiwis.
And as part of this process, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) held an excellent session with our Charge Point Operator (CPO) Subgroup in July.
Drive Electric’s Submission
Our consultation response supports EV infrastructure being a permitted activity but urges Ministers to consider feedback from the sector responsible for deploying EV charging infrastructure, specifically to:
- Ensure typical EV charging site activities, such as maintenance and upgrades, are included as permitted activity
- Ensure the scope of permitted activities is broad enough to capture many of the typical locations
- Expand definitions of EV charging infrastructure to include ancillary infrastructure commonly required at sites, such as lighting, signage, weather protection structures, and security equipment.
Download the full Drive Electric submission to Ministry of the Environment.
Drive Electric regularly meets with and advises key political figures and decision-makers in the transport sector, submits advisory papers on e-mobility legislation, and contributes to government-led policy development groups — helping to shape Aotearoa’s transition to cleaner, smarter transport. Become a member, stay connected and be part of the journey.
