Tesla factor in stats

The Tesla Model 3’s arrival has had a big impact on New Zealand’s September EV registrations.

It has helped push the number of new light pure electrics up by nearly 500 to 3400, and total EVs up by nearly 1000 to 17,026, latest Ministry of Transport figures show.

EVtalk earlier reported the Model 3 had 359 units registered in September – making it the third most popular passenger vehicle here.

If the rate continues, it’s possible New Zealand will have close to 20,000 EVs registered by the end of December.

That’s nearing the 32,000 target set for the end of 2020 to achieve 64,000 EVs on our roads by the close of 2021.

Registrations of used light pure electrics also surged by 310 on August, up from 9134 to 9444 in September.

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) didn’t fare quite so well but still climbed on the previous month with 2659 registrations recorded in the new light PHEV category – 106 up on August’s 2553.

Used light PHEVs reached 1365 in September – up 71 on the 1294 registered in August.

Heavy EVs continue their slow progress, September’s 158 registrations nine up on August’s 149