Transport is one of New Zealand's largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions and is responsible for 17 per cent of Aotearoa's gross emissions and 39 per cent of total domestic CO₂ emissions.

While electric vehicles are not a panacea, they have a big role to play as part of the future decarbonised transport system, complementing increased opportunities for adults and children to safely walk, cycle and use high-quality public transport.

New Zealand needs an electric vehicle (EV) charging strategy to provide certainty to all parties about the role government will play in supporting EV charging infrastructure. The government is also conscious of the need to allow all New Zealanders access to EV charging and the benefits of EVs, no matter where they live or which demographics they belong to.

This draft strategy is intended to be read in conjunction with the associated Charging our future: discussion document.