EV registrations continue rising

October EV registrations are 1053 up on September (32,781 to 33,834) as EV sales still surge in spite of COVID-19 restrictions, semiconductor shortages and supply constraints.

And new light pure electrics and plug-in hybrids again lead the way, both double their used counterparts.

New light pure electrics stepped up by 487 (9607 in September to 10,094 in October), and new light PHEVs were up by 222 (5299 to 5521).

In the used EV sector, light pure electrics rose by 236 (14,628 to 14,864) and PHEVS went up 104 (2958 to 3062).

Heavy EVs rose by just four – from 289 to 293.

The latest EV registration figures from the Ministry of Transport back Autotalk’s story that new vehicle figures generally were strong in October, passenger and commercial well ahead of last year’s totals.

Autotalk says ute demand was high last month, partly due to fears over the arrival next year of emissions charges under the Government’s Clean Car scheme, due to kick in from around April 1.

An EV rebate which began in July this year will continue until March 31 next year before a planned extension which aims to include using the fees from polluting vehicles to top it up.  

Some regions – especially Auckland – have been shackled by COVID-19 restrictions but these are expected to ease just before the busy pre-Christmas period.

You can read what EV dealers around the country have to say about it all in the upcoming November EVs and Beyond magazine.