Brand guide
ABB EV charger installation in New Zealand
ABB is famous for DC fast chargers, but its home product is the Terra AC wallbox. Here's what the Terra AC offers, how it's sold in NZ, and what installing one involves.
ABB is a global electrification and automation company best known in EV circles for its DC fast chargers: the high-power public and fleet units. For the home, though, the relevant product is a different one: the Terra AC wallbox, ABB’s Type 2 AC charger for residential and workplace use (ABB, verified June 2026). This guide is about the Terra AC, not the commercial DC range.
ABB’s home charger: the Terra AC wallbox
The Terra AC wallbox (current generation Terra AC 2.0) is a wall-mounted Type 2 AC charger. It’s confirmed available in NZ, imported and distributed through the electrical-wholesaler network and listed by several NZ resellers (Electrical Supply Corp, verified June 2026). Unlike ABB’s public fast chargers, the Terra AC is sized and priced for a home or small workplace.
ABB Terra AC specs at a glance
| Spec | Terra AC wallbox |
|---|---|
| Max power | 7.4 kW single-phase / 22 kW three-phase |
| Configurations | 3.7 kW up to 22 kW |
| Connector | Type 2 |
| Tethered vs socketed | Both (cable or socket versions) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, RS485 (optional 4G) |
| App / OCPP | ABB ChargerSync app / OCPP 1.6J |
| Load management | Built-in energy meter + dynamic load balancing |
| Protection | IP54, IK10 |
| RCD | Built-in 6 mA DC detection (Type A RCD suffices) |
Specs corroborated across ABB’s product page and NZ distributor listings (ABB, Industry Insider NZ), verified June 2026. NZ warranty terms aren’t published on the sources checked. Confirm with the distributor.
What an ABB Terra AC costs
ABB sells through wholesalers rather than a public storefront, so a current unit-only NZ price isn’t openly listed. The reliable route is to ask a wholesaler or your installer for the hardware figure. The install on top behaves like any other charger; see the EV charger installation cost guide for the drivers.
Where ABB fits
ABB suits buyers who want a charger from a major, familiar electrical brand and don’t mind sourcing it through the trade. Two practical advantages stand out: the built-in DC fault detection means a standard Type A RCD is enough (potentially simpler, cheaper switchboard work), and the unit’s rich connectivity (Wi-Fi/Ethernet/RS485, OCPP 1.6J) makes it flexible for smart-charging setups. Just keep the AC-versus-DC distinction clear: you’re buying the home Terra AC wallbox, not a scaled-down version of ABB’s public fast chargers.
The install basics (the same for any charger)
A home charger is fixed electrical work: a Registered Electrician installs it on a dedicated, RCD/RCBO-protected circuit and issues a Certificate of Compliance on completion. You don’t need a brand-certified specialist. Most NZ homes are single-phase, where around 7kW is the norm. A straightforward install typically lands in the $1,500–$2,500 all-in range; the full cost guide explains what pushes it higher: usually a long cable run or a switchboard upgrade.
Frequently asked questions
Is the ABB home charger the same as ABB's public fast chargers?
No. ABB is globally known for its DC fast chargers: the high-power Terra units you see at public and fleet sites. Those are not home products. ABB's home and workplace offering is the Terra AC wallbox, a separate Type 2 AC charger designed for residential use.
Do I need a special Type B RCD for an ABB charger?
No. The Terra AC wallbox has built-in DC fault (6mA) leakage detection, which means a standard Type A RCD is sufficient for a compliant install rather than a more expensive Type B device. That can simplify the switchboard work: your electrician will confirm what your board needs.
Can my regular electrician install and set up an ABB Terra AC?
Yes. It's a widely distributed wholesaler product in NZ, uses OCPP 1.6J, and is configured through ABB's ChargerSync app. Any Registered Electrician experienced with EV chargers can install it on a dedicated, protected circuit and issue the Certificate of Compliance.
How much does an ABB Terra AC cost in NZ?
ABB sells through electrical wholesalers, so a current unit-only NZ retail price isn't published openly: the most reliable way to get one is to ask a wholesaler or your installer. Whatever the hardware, a standard install on top still falls in the usual $1,500–$2,500 all-in range.