Petrol prices in New Zealand have crept past $3 a litre — and with Brent Crude surging towards US$100 a barrel, they’re not coming back down any time soon. For Kiwi households already stretched by the cost of living, this latest squeeze at the pump is a painful reminder of just how exposed we are to global oil markets. But here is the thing: if you drive an EV charged by rooftop solar, your fuel cost is effectively zero. Here is why the combination of solar panels and an electric vehicle is the smartest financial move Kiwi drivers can make right now.
The Maths on Solar + EV
A 6.6 kW solar system generates roughly 8,000–9,000 kWh per year in Canterbury. An average EV uses about 2,000–2,500 kWh per year for daily driving. That leaves plenty of solar generation for your home — and savings on your power bill too.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Set Up?
The upfront investment for a solar + EV lifestyle is real, but the payback is faster than most people think — especially with petrol at $3 a litre.
| Investment | Typical Cost | Annual Saving | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.6 kW solar system | $11,000–$14,000 | $1,400–$1,800 (power bill) | 6–8 years |
| 10 kW solar system (home + EV) | $14,000–$18,000 | $1,800–$2,400 (power bill) | 6–7 years |
| Home battery (10 kWh) | $10,000–$15,000 | $500–$800 extra | 12–15 years |
| EV fuel savings vs petrol | N/A | $2,000–$2,500 | Immediate |
And here is the good news: you don’t need to pay upfront. All four major NZ banks offer low-interest solar loans — Westpac at 0%, BNZ, ASB and ANZ at just 1%. The ASB Smart Solar Loan is particularly popular. In many cases, your loan repayments are less than the combined savings on power and petrol. Try our savings calculator to see the numbers for your household.
Ready to See What Solar Could Save You?
We design every system around your energy usage — including EV charging. Get a no-obligation quote tailored to your home, roof space and driving habits.
Are EVs Actually Worth It in New Zealand?
The EV market in NZ is growing fast. In 2025, combined BEV and PHEV sales reached 11% of all new vehicle registrations, with pure EV sales up 28% year-on-year. More than half of all new passenger cars sold in 2025 had some form of electric powertrain.
The most popular models — Tesla Model Y, BYD Atto 3, BYD Dolphin — are now priced competitively with their petrol equivalents. And with petrol at $3/litre, the running cost advantage is enormous. The average Kiwi drives about 11,500 km a year, which means:
- Petrol car at $3/L — roughly $2,070–$2,760 a year in fuel alone
- EV on grid power — roughly $345 a year in electricity plus ~$890 in RUCs
- EV on solar — $0 in electricity plus ~$890 in RUCs
Even accounting for RUCs and the recent ACC levy increase for EVs, you’re still saving $1,000–$2,500 a year compared to a petrol car. Over a 10-year ownership period, that adds up to $10,000–$25,000 in savings. Calculate your exact savings — and that is before factoring in lower maintenance costs. Read our guide to whether solar is worth it in NZ for the full picture.
Common Questions About Solar, EVs and Fuel Prices
Can I charge my EV entirely from solar panels?
Yes, in most cases. A typical daily commute uses 6–8 kWh, and a 6.6 kW system generates 20–30 kWh per day. You will have plenty of solar to cover both your home and your car. Adding a battery lets you store daytime solar for overnight charging.
How much solar do I need to charge an EV?
For a household that also charges an EV, we typically recommend a 6.6–10 kW system. The right size depends on your driving distance, home energy use and roof space. We design every system around your specific needs.
Will petrol prices keep rising?
NZ has no control over global oil prices, and the long-term trend is clear: fossil fuels are getting more expensive and more volatile. Whether it is Middle East conflict, carbon pricing or declining global supply, the era of cheap petrol is over. Solar energy, by contrast, has a fixed cost that never changes.
What about the EV road user charges?
EV drivers now pay RUCs at $76 per 1,000 km. For the average Kiwi driving 11,500 km a year, that is about $890 annually. It is a real cost, but still far less than what you would spend on petrol — especially at $3/litre. Use our savings calculator to see the full picture.
Do I need a special charger at home?
Most EV owners install a Level 2 wall charger (around $1,000–$2,000 installed), which charges a typical EV overnight. Your solar inverter and charger work together seamlessly — no special integration needed.
Does Sunshine Solar install EV chargers?
We specialise in solar — it is all we do, and we do it better than anyone in NZ. For EV charger installation, we can recommend trusted partners, and we will make sure your solar system is sized to handle EV charging from day one. Get in touch and we will design the right system for your home.
SEANZ Approved Installer
Sunshine Solar is a member of the Sustainable Energy Association of New Zealand.
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