Image: RNZNew Zealand has reached a "tipping point", with more people switching to electric cars and solar as Meridian Energy's weekly app registrations increase by 214 percent, it says. Rising oil prices have put pressure on prices across New Zealand, pushing an upward trend and interest in EV alternative vehicles. "The last month has definitely seen a boost in interest towards EVs and home solar. "It does feel like a tipping point, as more and more Kiwis see how moving away from a reliance on fossil fuels - where they can - would make financial sense." Sandford said Meridian was continuing to invest in EV public charging sites.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 07, 2026 04:12 UTC