When sourcing and installing a public charging station there specific considerations to take into account.
Suitable charging station modes
A ‘mode’ describes the safety communication protocol between electric vehicles and charging stations. These are internationally recognised definitions. Only Mode 3 and Mode 4 are suitable for public charging infrastructure in New Zealand. The modes are outlined below:
Away from home infrastructure
| Charging mode | Description | Recommended use |
Mode 2 - commercial |
| Suitable for controlled environments with restricted access. Eg hotels, fleet car parks and repair facilities. |
Mode 3 |
| Suitable for public charging infrastructure. |
Mode 4 |
| Suitable for public charging infrastructure. |
*Refer to the ‘Charging an electric vehicle’ section for further information about electric vehicles and infrastructure that can affect the rate charge.
*Mode 1 and Mode 2 are for home charging and not covered in this guidance as they are not appropriate for public use. Find out more here .
Sourcing a charging station
The components of electric vehicle supply equipment are outlined here. Note our recommendation for connector types.
All public charging stations should be either Mode 3 or 4 and must comply with the relevantAS/NZS 3000 safety standard. Suppliers of charging stations should provide you with a supplier declaration stating that the appliance complies with NZ Safety Standards, including AS/NZS 3000.
Before purchasing a charging station (and other electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE)) you should assure yourself that the product is suitable for use in New Zealand.
It is recommended that you request that the supplier provides you with a supplier declaration of conformity (SDoC) and a test certificate stating that the EVSE has been tested to the relevant standard.
In particular,you should check that:No person may design an electric vehicle charging station unless they are competent to do so.
- the model number on the SDoC and test certificate matches the model number of the product you intend to purchase
- the product is labelled as suitable for a voltage of 230/400 and a frequency of 50 hertz
Further information on the declaration process and example documentation.
Performing the electrical installation
No person may install an electric vehicle charging station unless they are licensed and competent to do so.
Depending on the existing infrastructure, the installation may also require electrical works by a certified electrician or electrical engineer.works. A competent electrician or electrical engineer will be able to advise you on what is required. this.
Ensuring the charging station is certified
The charging station operator should ask the person installing the electric vehicle charging station to:
provide the relevant test certificate – in respect of charging stations complying with International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards; orprovide the relevant UL certification – in the case of charging stations complying with UL standards.