Charger Etiquette
The Better NZ Trust has been #LeadingTheCharge in New Zealand’s EV space since 2015. During that time, this charitable Trust has worked closely with all industry decision makers, government, and pioneer EV enthusiasts, in an effort to successfully bring EV to NZ. This Code of Behaviour at public chargers comes after consultation with the EV community and with the experience of being the longest-serving promoter of EV in NZ.
Downloadable PDF of #LeadingTheCharge NZ EV Etiquette
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All EVs Are Equal
Whether PHEV, small or large capacity, all EV’s have equal right to use chargers.
Use your discretion in sharing, if there is a choice of high-powered/low-powered DC chargers.
Only use public chargers if you cannot charge at home. Keep them free for those that need them. -
Charging Not Parking
Parks displaying this official NZ sign are for charging only. Do not park there if you are not charging,
even if you’re in an EV. -
Be Nice to ICE
Be a good EV Ambassador. Don’t leave anything other than a polite note on an offending vehicle. -
When to Unplug
Only unplug another vehicle if you are certain it has finished charging, or you have been given permission, eg: on Plugshare. -
Monitor With Your Phone
Make use of apps or txt alerts to monitor the state of charge. Plugshare is a safe way to communicate, but is optional. -
Don’t Set and Forget
Stations are designed to allow you to leave your vehicle charging. But you must be back before charging stops, and before any parking time limits are up.
Don’t expect others to unplug you. -
Check for Parking/Charging Limits
Some stations and/or EV parks have time limits to encourage vehicle turnover.
Do not park illegally to reach the charger. -
E-Stop is for Emergencies
In other situations, only press E-Stop if you can’t get hold of the station operator by phone.
Reset it before you leave. -
OK to Check Progress
It is acceptable and normal to check the onscreen progress of a station that you are waiting to use. -
Look after the stations, cables and plugs. Report any damage to the service provider, & ensure cables are safely tucked away
Copyright of #LeadingTheCharge, The Better NZ Trust. Reproduction for personal use only.
About Us
The Better NZ Trust has been #LeadingTheCharge throughout New Zealand since January 2015.
We work to educate New Zealanders in what can be done at an individual and corporate level to adopt zero carbon renewable energy technology.
“We’ll Give You the Facts, and Let You Decide”
Our current programme is incredibly varied – ranging from visits to schools and arranging local events to working closely with University researchers and relevant Government departments.
The Annual Road Trip is a massive undertaking for the Trust, bringing EVs to many major and minor locations in New Zealand and enables us to raise funds to support our work.
We are a registered charitable trust; registration CC55076.
What We Are Not
- We are politically agnostic. Our volunteers have a broad range of political stances.
- We are not a lobby group
- Nor an owners' association as such
- And we do not sell cars
- We do not, as a whole, favour any particular automobile brand. We will work with, and support, any dealer who is willing to invest time into selling electric vehicles.
We receive funding from both private donations and the Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority of NZ.
Our Vision
To create environmental, financial and health benefits for all New Zealanders through education and outreach. We are assisting in the adoption of zero-carbon renewable energy technologies.
Championing sustainable initiatives for a better future for all of New Zealand is at the core of all that we do.
Our Mission
The Better NZ Trust's main focus is the #LeadingTheCharge campaign. As ~20% of New Zealand's greenhouse gas pollution is caused by the transport sector, we believe that transitioning away from fossil-fuelled vehicles into electric vehicles will make a valuable impact on our country's zero-carbon policies.
Concurrently, this transition will benefit NZ's economy by keeping our fuel for transport dollars in New Zealand and conserve the world's valuable fossil fuels for future generations.
Our Volunteers
Our organisation is dependent on our people. Electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts volunteer their time to help us promote the uptake of electric vehicles in the towns and cities of New Zealand.
In each region, we support a Champion amongst the volunteers to rally support from their wider neighbourhood. These people truly are champions as they spend their own time and energy to help. They are also knowledgeable about EV, many of whom have been pioneers in the cultural shift to electric-powered transport. Volunteers can sign up on this website and we will put them in touch with their local champion.
Our Trustees
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Kathryn Trounson |
Sean Dick |
Steve West |
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Carl Barlev |
Sigurd Magnusson |
Martin Kane |
Major Events
Every year the Better NZ Trust puts on two nationwide events:
International Drive Electric Week
For 9 days in August or September, New Zealand joins the USA and other countries by hosting EV Awareness events in provincial towns and cities.
EV Road Trip
Since the inception of the Better NZ Trust, we have put on an annual road trip from Cape Reinga to Bluff in a convoy of EVs.
Originally, the Road Trip was organised by Trustees Carl Barlev, Steve West and friends. It was a chance to prove that EVs could handle long distances.
Now, we feel that this has well and truly been proven. Charging infrastructure is available throughout New Zealand and thanks to the efforts of infrastructure providers and more choice in vehicles, the annual Road Trip is no longer the pioneering adventure that it once was.
However, it's still a chance for the Trustees and Champions to travel to each region and try to let as many people as possible experience a drive, or at least a ride in the future of automotive transport.
Sponsors
The most valuable resources for #LeadingTheCharge are the owner-drivers and enthusiasts who make this community work. There are too many to list individually but you will see their names on various pages as ticker tape.
But we also are indebted to the various companies and organisations for donating services or money to help operate the Trust.
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