Plug vs pump – an electric car cost comparison
How much does it cost to buy an EV? And how much does it cost to charge?
Retail NZ EV Plan offer
Get cheaper charging from 9pm
Plus, choose between a FREE AC charging cable with a $50 sign up credit or a $250 sign-up credit*
Charge your EV smarter, for less with cheaper charging from 9pm to 7am. Plus, as a Retail NZ member, get a free AC charging cable + $50 credit or a $250 credit* when you join, the choice is yours!
How does it work?
Our EV Plan is available nationwide and is a day/night plan. This means you pay a different rate for power during the day than you do at night.
The night rate for our EV plan is lower than our other day/night power plans, costing you even less to charge your EV (and do anything else) from 9pm to 7am every day.
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Free AC cable + $50 credit or $250 credit*
You’re going to need an AC charging cable to use chargers at lots of public locations, so why not get one for free when you sign up? Your car manufacturer may not include an AC charging cable in the purchase of your EV. -
Price certainty for two years
When you sign up to our EV Plan you'll get fixed rates** for two years, giving you the certainty you need to control costs and budget for the future. -
Free smart meter upgrade
If you don't have one, we'll upgrade yours at no cost. Smart meters accurately record your consumption every half hour, so you can track your electricity use in real time and get the most out of your cheaper power rates from 9pm to 7am.
*Terms and conditions and eligibility criteria apply
**Only government and regulatory changes like GST and the Electricity Authority levy can change
Make the most of your cheaper power
You can do more than power your car at night on this plan. Here are some ideas to get you started.
- Use the delay start function on your heat pump, dishwasher or washing machine
- Start the tumble dryer at 9pm, or 6am, for those early risers
- Crank up the heat on chilly mornings from 5am to 7am to preheat your home
- If possible, shower between 9pm and 7am
Considering an EV and want to know more?
You’ll find everything you need to know about electric vehicles from what they cost to run, the difference between electric and hybrids and dealing with range anxiety. We’re here to help you with everything you need to get EV ready.
Advantages of driving an EV
There are heaps of benefits to driving an electric vehicle. We’ve narrowed it down to the top six reasons to go electric.
How to battle EV range anxiety
Nervous about being out of range of a charger and losing juice while out on the road?
Charging EVs
Unlike petrol stations, chargers for your EV aren’t quite so common. Don't worry though, you’ve got options.
Electric vs hybrid cars
Wondering what the difference is between hybrid and fully electric cars? We’ve listed the pros and cons for both.
Zero, our EV charging network
It’s no secret that we’re excited about electric vehicles – so excited that we’re building one of the country’s largest EV charging networks!
Tackling rural NZ in an EV
Electric cars are all well and good, until you remember you’re not a townie and your nearest charging station is an hour’s drive away. Right? Well... not quite.
Frequently asked questions
What are the rates on the EV Plan?
Rates differ depending on your region. To view our rates in your area, chat with us via our website, or alternatively fill in the form above and one of our friendly staff will get back to you.
What makes Meridian’s EV Plan so different?
Our EV Plans night rates kick off from 9pm unlike our other day/night plans, which have night-time rates starting at 11pm. This means you can move some of your other household chores (like the washing) to earlier in the night to make the most of the earlier start.
When will I get my free AC charging cable or $200 credit*?
Once you are officially switched to Meridian you will receive a welcome email from us. If you selected the cable option during sign-up, your welcome email will include a link for you to select the cable you require. OEM Audio will then ship the cable to you within two business days. If you chose the $200 credit option on sign-up, this will automatically be applied to your account.
Why do I need an AC charging cable?
AC public charging stations require you to bring your own cable to use them. We think it’s a great idea to always store one in the boot of your car so you always have one on hand! To see where our AC chargers are near you, head to zero.meridianenergy.co.nz
What’s the difference between AC and DC charging?
DC (direct current) chargers are a fast charge, they send the power directly to the car battery without needing to convert it. Typically, you would use a DC charger at places like a petrol station if you were running out of charge and needed a significant top up quickly, these chargers have cables attached to them. Because they use a lot more power, and charge quicker in comparison to an AC charger, they are more expensive to use.
AC chargers are designed to be a ‘destination charger’, to use these you’ll need your own cable. An example of destination charger locations are places like the movies, malls, arenas etc. If you’re spending more than an hour visiting, an AC charger would be perfect for you. Relax at the movies while your car tops up or top up while you watch the kids play soccer – charging can now work in around you.
I have a question about my free cable what do I do?
OEM Audio are our cable experts! Give them a call on 03 365 2666 and they will be more than happy to help you with questions about your free cable!
When will my charging cable arrive?
OEM Audio aim to have all orders dispatched within two business days. Once picked up by the courier you will receive a tracking number to the email address you provided when ordering. If you haven’t heard anything, feel free to contact OEM on 03 365 2666 and they’ll be able to assist you.
How long does it take to get set up on an EV charging plan?
The Electricity Authority says on average it can take 3-4 days to switch electricity providers however, it can take up to two weeks depending on who your provider was. Once you receive your welcome email from us, you’re officially switched over to Meridian.
I’ve bought an EV but it has not arrived yet, can I apply for the plan now?
Not yet! To get you switched to our EV Plan, we need the registration details for your car. Fear not, we have some other great plans to get you switched over in the meantime until your car arrives. Simply join online or contact one of our friendly staff on 0800 496 777 to find out which plan is right for you.