Only 1% of Kiwis own an EV

A new AA Insurance survey says only 1% of New Zealanders own an electric vehicle – just under 50,000 people.

The 2019 AA Insurance lifestyle survey found that two thirds of New Zealanders would consider buying an EV, but for many price is the major barrier.

If they could afford it, 54% of 18-20 year olds, 51% of 30-44 year olds, and 41% of 45+ year olds would consider buying an EV.

The survey found that EVs at 1% sit behind 55% owning one car, 36% owning two, 6% owning three, with the next most popular vehicle being motorcycles (4%), then vans (3%), and trucks (2%).

The survey also found one quarter of New Zealanders are driving less than they did a year ago. Since last year, there has been a 7% drop in daily drivers, with 64% of respondents saying they drive every day compared to 71% in 2018.

Of the respondents, 83% intend to drive about the same while 9% intend to drive less, due to changes in work needs, reduced petrol and parking costs, environmental reasons and planning on using public transport more.

Over the next three to five years, around one in five say they will use their car less (22%), 18% will use public transport more, 16% will be purchasing or using other modes of transport such as e-bikes, bikes, e-scooters, and scooters, 12% will use taxi and car sharing services such as Uber more, and 5% will not need a vehicle.