Survey suggests NZ EV ownership surpasses ICE by 2035

A survey commissioned by the BMW Group finds 53% of New Zealanders will consider purchasing an EV in the future, with EV ownership surpassing conventionally powered vehicle ownership in New Zealand as soon as 2035.

The survey of more than 1000 Kiwi adults with a valid driver’s licence, found that while 70% believe they will own a conventionally powered vehicle in 2025, just 11% said they would do so in 2040.

It also suggests the Clean Car Discount (CCD) is most likely (61%) to encourage those aged 25-34 to purchase an EV.

The survey by insights agency, Hall & Partners, in August 2023, was done to gain valuable insights into public sentiment around EVs and their perception of existing charging infrastructure, today and in the future.

Respondents were asked to share their opinions on various aspects of EV adoption, including concerns, motivations, and preferences regarding charging options.

The findings come following increased support from the current New Zealand government in its bid to tackle rising CO2 emission levels and address climate change via initiatives such as the Clean Car Discount and Clean Car Standard.

Nearly four in five (78%) New Zealanders said they were aware of the current Clean Car programme and Clean Car Discount. Subsequently, nearly half (47%) of this cohort said they were more inclined to consider purchasing an electric or hybrid vehicle.

Sales for EVs in New Zealand have remained strong in 2023, with electric and hybrid vehicles accounting for 40% of all vehicles purchased up to August this year.

The BMW Group also posted notable growth in sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in the half of the year, with registrations of BMW and Mini BEVs increasing 44% and 46% respectively.  

Key findings

About 57% believe EVs are the way of the future, and while one in 10 (9%) already drive an electric or hybrid vehicle, 61% agree those who purchase EVs are ‘early adopters’.

Some 73% of New Zealanders say they are concerned about running out of charge due to a lack of nearby charging infrastructure. Nearly half (47%) of those who regularly drive an EV agreed, in spite of more than two-thirds (36%) claiming they only required 30km of less mileage for their daily driving.

Nearly one in two (46%) New Zealanders knew the location of the nearest charging station to their home, and 27% to their workplace.

The upfront price of EVs is the primary reason for rejecting their purchase. A lack of knowledge (22%) about EVs also played a significant role in decision-making, the trend decreasing with age. Those between 18-24 (50%) were most likely to claim this; 55-64 (15%) were least likely.

BMW Group New Zealand affirms its commitment to supporting sustainable transportation with low and zero emissions mobility solutions.

It offers 11 electrified models to consumers – including six fully electric offerings.

Later this year that number will rise to 12 with the launch of the fully electric BMW i5.

BMW provided a glimpse of its future with the world premiere of the BMW Vision Neue Klasse concept vehicle at the IAA Mobility 2023 event in Munich.

The company plans to launch across six Neue Klasse models within 24 months from 2025, when the new line of vehicles goes into production. 

This will include models across different segments, from sedans to sports activity vehicles (SAVs).