Tesla tidal wave abates

A tsunami of Tesla Model 3 arrivals which saw new light pure electric registrations soar in September has eased in October.

After accounting for a nearly 500 rise in that category for September, the Model 3 has only helped push the increase in new light pure electrics up 127 in October, from 3402 to 3529.

So much for speculation that October might be another big month for Model 3 deliveries here with most back orders filled but new orders still expected.

That prompted Tesla Model 3 NZ Owners group member Mark Zeman to comment on Facebook: “Stink, looks like the Model 3 bump in sales/deliveries only lasted a month?” He was hoping to see another 300 or so registered.

It seems like a return to normal with the used light pure electric category resuming the mantle, recording a 272 increase in registrations with 9716 for October compared with 9444 in September, according to latest Ministry of Transport figures.

New light plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) increased by 79 (2659 to 2738), and used light PHEVs rose 51 (1365 to 1416).

Heavy EVs sent up by five (158 to 163).

EV registrations now total 17,562 – well past the 16,000 target for this year and likely to close in on the 20,000 mark by January.

Next year, the goal is to achieve 32,000 EV registrations with the aim of 64,000 EVs by the end of 2021.