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EV charging stations in Manawatu-Wanganui

12 charging locations and 38 ports across 2 cities and towns, 16 of them DC fast.

Charging in Manawatu-Wanganui

This region is a crossroads more than a destination, and its charging reflects that. Palmerston North holds most of the locations, Whanganui a handful more, and the rest of a very large area, including the Central Plateau, has little you can count on.

Rapid ports make up close to half the total, which helps if you are passing through rather than parking up. ChargeNet NZ leads, with Tesla and Zero also present. Distances between the two towns are big enough that you want your charging stop decided before you set off, not chosen on the move.

On the road

State Highway 1 runs through Levin and Bulls, then climbs through Taihape onto the Desert Road across the Central Plateau. State Highway 3 links Whanganui to Palmerston North and on towards Taranaki, and State Highway 4 threads the inland route past the central mountains. The plateau section is the exposed one, high and cold through winter.

Plugs and payment

Type 2 for AC, CCS2 for rapid, and CHAdeMO for the older imports still common on provincial roads. Slower posts in town car parks are frequently untethered, so keep a Type 2 cable with you. App payment is normal, with tap-to-pay showing up on some newer rapid sites.

Three things to know

  • Palmerston North is the region's charging base. Top up there before heading for the plateau or the coast.
  • The Desert Road sits high and gets snow and closures in winter. Do not cross it low on charge.
  • Whanganui has only a few locations, so check availability before relying on one on a busy weekend.

Cities in Manawatu-Wanganui

Towns smaller than 20,000 residents are not listed here, but the live map covers every public charger in Manawatu-Wanganui: search for the town or allow location access.

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