As elections approach in New Zealand, car buyers are taking advantage of the impending loss of bonus/malus benefits for purchasing electric vehicles. This has sparked a buying spree in the country, with electric vehicles capturing 34% of the auto market in September, a significant increase of 10% compared to the previous month. With approximately 8,000 cars sold per month in New Zealand, this surge in electric vehicle sales is notable.
While it is expected that sales will stabilize after the election and potentially even decrease, the current success cannot be ignored. New Zealand now boasts nearly 90,000 plug-in vehicles on its roads.
Top Selling Electric Vehicles in New Zealand
In August 2023, the top ten selling battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in New Zealand were as follows:
- Tesla Model Y
- MG4
- BYD Atto 3
- Kia Niro
- MG ZS EV
Additionally, 450 used Nissan LEAFs were imported from Japan, further contributing to the electric vehicle market in New Zealand.
Key Changes in the Market
In September, several noteworthy changes occurred in the electric vehicle market. The Tesla Model Y rose from third place to first, showcasing its popularity among buyers. The MG4 more than doubled its sales numbers, while the BYD Atto 3, Kia Niro, and MG ZS EV remained stable in their positions.
Other significant developments include Volkswagen delivering 14 units of the ID.4 and 13 units of the ID.5. The Kia EV6 also saw an increase in delivery volume. Tesla managed to double its Model 3 deliveries to 63 units, but it is expected that the refreshed Model 3 will perform even better in the fourth quarter, depending on factors such as pricing and politics.
The Cupra Born, with 21 cars delivered, deserves a special mention.
Top Electric Vehicle Sales by Motor Groups
According to the data, the top motor groups for electric vehicle sales in New Zealand were:
- Tesla – 760 units
- SAIC (MG) – 335 units
- BYD – 243 units
These motor groups have demonstrated their strong presence in the electric vehicle market.
The MG4 stands out as the lowest-priced pure electric car available in New Zealand. Additionally, the introduction of the BYD Seal in the country has sparked anticipation for its deliveries.
Newcomers such as the Dolphin and the Great Wall ORA are gradually making their mark in the market. While the Dolphin achieved a top 5 position in its first month, the ORA only saw 7 deliveries in August and 10 deliveries in September. However, it is expected that they, along with the MG4, will carve out their own niche on New Zealand roads and become noteworthy contenders on the best seller chart.
Popular New Cars in September
In September, the Model Y emerged as the most registered new car in New Zealand, narrowly surpassing the Toyota RAV4. The Ford Ranger secured third place, followed by the Toyota Hilux and the Toyota Yaris Cross. These rankings highlight the ongoing demand for conventional vehicles.
However, there is a growing need for good electric utes in New Zealand. Currently, there is only one electric ute available for sale, the LDV eT60. This market gap presents an opportunity for major players like Ford, Toyota, and Mitsubishi to enter the electric ute market and cater to the increasing demand.
The Future of Electric Vehicles in New Zealand
The future looks promising for electric vehicles in New Zealand. Despite Toyota’s slow progress in the electric vehicle revolution, the company’s fully electric BZ4x, manufactured in China, is garnering reasonable sales. The model is set to launch in New Zealand and Australia next year, and its reputation for reliability and value for money is expected to contribute to its success. The bZ4X, similar in size to the Toyota RAV4, will be available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options.
As Toyota leads the way, other Japanese automakers like Mitsubishi, Suzuki, and Mazda are likely to follow suit and introduce more electric models to the New Zealand market. The Subaru Solterra, BMW iX1 xDrive20, and Nissan Ariya are some of the upcoming electric vehicles that will further diversify the options available to buyers.
With New Zealand’s relatively green electricity grid, increasing petrol prices, and a growing range of electric vehicles to choose from, opting for an electric car in the country is a sensible choice, regardless of government subsidies.
