As the sun sets on 2023, we also farewell the Clean Car Discount. Introduced in July 2021, the comprehensive feebate scheme incentivised many New Zealanders to buy their first fully electric or hybrid vehicle. At the scheme’s inception, there were around 30,000 plug-in vehicles on the road. By the end of 2023, there will be over 100,000 vehicles.
The unwinding of the scheme has no doubt contributed to a strong surge in EV registrations in November 2023.
November 2023 EV Market
In November 2023, 4,667 plug-in vehicles (EVs) were registered.
• This included 3,202 Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and 1,465 Plug-in Hybrid EVs (PHEVs).
• 32.6% of new passenger cars were EVs.
• 19.9% of all light vehicles were EVs (including commercial vehicles and used imports).
Total light EVs now on the road: 97,488 (estimated).
Best-selling BEVs in November
A truly impressive variety of EV models were registered this month. While the Tesla Model Y took the top spot (with 544 units), the new MG 4 wasn’t far behind with 468 units. MG Motors was the most popular brand of electric vehicle overall. Skoda delivered its largest number of the new Enyaq SUV.
Market changes
2023 has been a very strong year across many brands. BYD, MG, and Kia, in particular, have sold considerably more electric cars than in 2022. Anticipating an even wider array of choices, we look forward to 2024 as it promises an expanded selection of electric vehicles, offering consumers more options.
New models announced
Polestar 2 upgrade
The popular Polestar 2 sedan has received a vast amount of upgrades to its 2024 model year. Each trim level sees improvements across range, efficiency, and charging speed. The Long Range Single Motor version achieves an extraordinary 655 km of range, and is priced at $93,900.
The rear-wheel drive dual motor model clocks in with a 0-100 km/h time of just 4.5 seconds (priced at $109,990). An additional performance pack is available, bringing power to 350 kW.
All variants are rated to tow 1,500 kg, with first deliveries expected May 2024.
Toyota bZ4X
The first fully electric vehicle from Toyota can now be ordered. The SUV comes in two trims; the entry-level FWD Pure, priced at $72,990, and the Motion – priced at $82,990. The Motion offers an increase in performance along with all wheel drive. Deliveries will begin in early 2024.
Jeep Avenger
The launch edition of the new Jeep Avenger battery electric vehicle is due in New Zealand in December, priced at $67,000. The compact SUV delivers around 400 km of range from a very efficient drivetrain (154 Wh/Km), and is the first fully-electric vehicle from Jeep.
Cadillac Lyriq
Cadillac intends to bring a right-hand drive version of the fully electric LYRIQ to New Zealand. The large, luxury SUV has a range of around 500 km in the USA, but local pricing and specifications have not been confirmed.
The outlook: what’s next?
2023 has been an exceptional year for EVs, with registration numbers higher than in 2022. We’ve seen a number of exciting entry-level models enter the market, such as the MG 4, BYD Dolphin, and GWM Ora. We’ve also seen the debut of new European EVs such as the VW ID.4, Skoda Enyaq, and Cupra Born.
As the year comes to a close, there may be a last-minute surge of registrations before the books finally close on the Clean Car Discount. However, in 2024, there are already a number of enticing new EV models to look forward to, such as the Volvo EX30 compact SUV and an upgraded Tesla Model 3.
With over 60 different models of EVs available in New Zealand and a growing industry of smart charging specialists, a fleet of fully-electric company vehicles is something worth investigating. The future looks bright for electric vehicles in New Zealand. ChargeNet’s dedication to expanding our network of EV charging stations demonstrates our support for the widespread adoption of EVs in Aotearoa. Our continuous efforts to improve charging infrastructure’s accessibility and convenience pave the way for a future in which electric vehicles are the norm.
