EVs ‘sluggish’ in February new vehicle registrations

New EV registrations remain “sluggish” at 7% of the 9809 new vehicle units registered in February 2025.

“While hybrid vehicle adoption continues to grow, electric vehicle (EV) uptake remains sluggish,” says Motor Industry Association (MIA) chief executive Aimee Wiley.

“The challenge for the industry is aligning supply with regulatory requirements and actual consumer demand, ensuring that a range of vehicles remain accessible, practical, and suited to the evolving needs of Kiwi buyers.”

She says the sluggish EV adoption pace poses a challenge in meeting stricter carbon dioxide targets.

Wiley says New Zealand’s new vehicle registrations in February 2025 of 9809 units reflect a 1.5% increase compared to February 2024 and a 2.8% increase from February 2023.

“This modest growth indicates market stabilisation, though sector-specific trends reveal ongoing shifts in consumer and business purchasing behaviours.”

She says light passenger vehicle registrations surged, driven by sustained demand for SUVs and hybrid models.

“Hybrid vehicle uptake in February was slightly below the 2024 full-year average at 33.4% (down from 35.9%) and EV registrations remained sluggish at 7.0% of the total, compared to 7.3% in 2024.

“Conversely, light and heavy commercial vehicle registrations declined sharply, influenced by broader economic pressures and cautious business sentiment regarding fleet renewals.”

Wiley says a significant drop in commercial vehicle sales signals an ongoing contraction in demand, influenced by economic conditions, infrastructure investment cycles, and broader business sentiment.

Meanwhile, the mainly hybrid Toyota RAV4 leads the list of models registered, followed by the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi Outlander.

The Polestar 2 leads the battery electric vehicle category, followed by the Tesla Model Y, BYD Atto 3, the Mercedes-Benz EQE and the Tesla Model 3.