Record August EV registrations dented by COVID

EV registrations were heading for an all-time high in August – until the COVID-19 lockdown hit.

Overall EV registrations were up 652 on July (from 29,865 to 30,517) and looking to crash all records until the national alert level 4 restrictions applied from midnight August 17, only now easing for areas south and north of Auckland.

New light EVs, like the Tesla Model 3 and MG ZS EV, recorded the biggest gain – rising by 328 from 7777 in July to 8105 in August, according to the latest Ministry of Transport figures.

That indicates the Government’s Clean Car Discount was assisting sales, especially as some new EV prices qualified for the rebate while prices for used EVs generally increased as auction prices adapted in Japan.

Secondhand pure electric EVs went up by 150, from 14,338 to 14,488, perhaps reflecting supply constraints to some degree as well.

New light plug-in hybrid (PHEV) registrations rose by 83, from 4676 to 4759, while used light PHEVs went up by 74 (2811 in July to 2885 in August).

Heavy EVs recorded one of its biggest jumps, going up 17 from 263 to 280. That probably indicates the increase in electric buses and some electric trucks.

EV dealerships can do limited trading and vehicle delivery under level 3 so long as they follow procedures.

Some, like Auckland-based Autolink Cars’ Henry Schmidt, have gained exemptions to deliver presold EVs outside Auckland, while Taupo’s Drive Electric has stepped up deliveries under level 3 using its Tesla tow vehicle called the ‘Hulk’.

EV dealers’ views of the August registration statistics and trading in general feature in September’s EVs and Beyond magazine.