More used EVs as UK becomes an option

Used import electric vehicles will continue to play a significant part in the roll out of the vehicles in New Zealand according to the industry’s association.

Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association chief executive David Vinsen questioned transport minister Simon Bridges at the New Zealand Transport Fuels and Fleet Management Summit in Auckland this morning about the opportunities for used EVs.

Bridges responded that he thought both fleets and the public would be looking to buy the cars at the best possible price point.

Vinsen says the industry is in a great position to meet demand.

“We have plenty of stock available, and we are in the price of assisting members and facilitating introductions to source more,” he says.

That includes sourcing from beyond Japan, with a large number of ex-lease vehicles now becoming available ex-United Kingdom, which beyond the current Nissan and Mitsubishi options has a number of Renault EVs and other models available.

The Nissan eNV200, an electric version of the NV200 van already here as a petrol-powered import would open up a new sector of the market. Renault also sells small electric vans in the UK market.

Vinsen admits the United Kingdom is exchange rate dependent.

“The source markets will vary depending on the exchange rate, supply and of factors.”

Vinsen says around 400 EVs have been registered this year, but he wouldn’t pick expected numbers for the future.

“The MOT us going to be setting some pretty strong targets.”