New EVs continue registration climb

After a huge surge in December registrations, EV increases are slightly down in January but continue to show the popularity of new EVs.

Overall EV registrations were up 959 in January from 37,158 in December to 38,117 compared with last December having 1591 more EV registrations than November.

New light pure electrics were up 436 in January from 12,106 to 12,542 – double their secondhand equivalents which increased by 215 from 15,330 to 15,545.

While new light plug-in hybrid (PHEV) registrations were also double that of used PHEVs, according to the latest Ministry of Transport EV statistics.

About 6306 new PHEVs were registered in January (205 more than December’s 6101) and 3399 used light PHEVs were recorded, up 88 on December’s 3311.

Heavy EVs usually show a slight upward trickle but jumped 15 in January from 310 December registrations to 325 last month, reflecting the increase in electric trucks and buses.

The Tesla Model 3 is still one of the most popular new EVs in New Zealand, although an increasing variety of EV makes and models is becoming available

Interest in EVs continues to grow with fossil fuel costs increasing and the Government about to complete its Clean Car scheme.

Read EV dealers’ reaction and comments in our upcoming February EVs and Beyond magazine.