EV registrations surge

January proved a good month for EV registrations.

Total EV registrations rose 602 – from 24,095 in December 2020 to 24,697 in January 2021, according to newly released Ministry of Transport figures.

New light pure electrics had the biggest increase, up 243 from 5369 in December to 5612 in January.

That’s followed by used light pure electrics with a 216 rise – increasing from 12,646 in December to 12,862 in January.

New light plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) went up by 90 – from 3627 in December to 3717 in January.

Used light PHEVs rose by 52, recording 2238 in December and 2290 in January.

Heavy EVs increased by just the one – going from 215 in December to 216 last month.

But the 24,697 figure is still well short of the initial 30,000 goal which was targeted for the end of last year, meaning New Zealand could fail to meet the 64,000 EVs on roads end of this year figure suggested by the National-led government in 2016.

Of course, much which will depend on the Labour government’s moves this year with it already announcing some measures and promising further consideration of ways to reduce vehicle emissions in the wake of the Climate Change Commission’s first draft advice.