New Zealand EV charging provider Meridian hits 500 charging point milestone

New Zealand electric vehicle charging provider Meridian has reached a significant milestone with the installation of its 500th public charging point. These stations are spread across various locations nationwide, with a particular focus on the South Island over the past year. The company now aims to extend its network further into the central and upper North Island, targeting regions such as Manawatū, Hawke’s Bay, Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Auckland, and Northland. Looking ahead, Meridian plans to add an additional 900 public chargers by 2030, signalling a strong commitment to expanding EV infrastructure. Meridian highlights the considerable growth potential in New Zealand’s EV market, noting that the country currently has around 80 electric vehicles per charging point, a figure substantially higher than the global average of 11. This disparity suggests ample room for infrastructure development to support the increasing number of EV users. The company also attributes rising interest in electric vehicles to growing concerns over global fuel supply uncertainties, which have driven a surge in demand. Since December 2025, weekly users of Meridian’s charging network have increased by 75%, while app registrations have grown by 70%. Richard Sandford, Meridian’s Head of Energy, emphasised the company’s ambition to establish the largest EV charging network in New Zealand. He pointed out that the firm has been strategically addressing gaps in the country’s charging coverage to make electric journeys more accessible. Sandford expressed confidence in the accelerating adoption of EVs, stating that the case for electric vehicles has never been stronger and that the network’s expansion is making travel easier for drivers every day. The expansion of Meridian’s charging network reflects broader trends in the electric mobility sector, with infrastructure development playing a crucial role in supporting the transition to cleaner transport. As New Zealand’s EV population grows, the availability of reliable and widespread charging points will be essential to encourage further uptake. Meridian’s ambitious rollout plans could help alleviate range anxiety and foster greater confidence among potential EV buyers, contributing to the country’s sustainability goals.