Beatrice Lang
New Zealand has seen a significant increase in the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on its roads in recent years. In 2020, there were 26,000 EVs registered in the country, and the government set ambitious targets for EV adoption, aiming for 100% electric vehicle sales by 2030. By the end of 2023, New Zealand electric vehicle registrations reached 27.2% of new car sales, with over 73,000 battery-electric vehicles and 30,000 plug-in hybrids on the roads. This surge in EV registrations can be attributed to various factors, including government incentives, an increasing selection of EV models, and favourable pricing for entry-level vehicles. However, it is worth noting that the EV market in New Zealand is heavily influenced by imports, with a significant number of second-hand vehicles, particularly Nissan Leafs, coming from Japan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of electric vehicles in NZ as of Dec 2023 | 73,000 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and 30,000 plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) |
| Number of registered Nissan Leafs as of Dec 2023 | 23,067 (about 30% of all BEVs) |
| Number of registered battery electric vehicles in Dec 2023 | 4,455 |
| Number of registered plug-in hybrids in Dec 2023 | 1,610 |
| Number of electric vehicle DC chargers as of June 2023 | Over 315 at over 275 locations |
| Percentage of registered BEVs using Type 2 CCS standard as of Dec 2023 | 67% |
| Percentage of registered BEVs using CHAdeMO standard as of Dec 2023 | 33% |
| Number of EVs in NZ in 2020 | 26,000 |
| Number of EVs in NZ as of Feb 2025 | Over 81,000 BEVs and around 36,500 PHEVs |
| Number of fully electric light vehicles (BEVs) registered as of Feb 2025 | 702 |
| Number of plug-in hybrids registered as of Feb 2025 | 732 |
| Percentage of new passenger cars (hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs) that are plug-ins as of Feb 2025 | 15% |
| Number of EVs in NZ in 2024 | 150,000 |
| Number of EVs in NZ planned by the government for 2023 | 60,000 |
| Number of EVs in NZ planned by the government for 2021 | 64,000 |
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What You'll Learn
- Electric vehicle registrations reached 27.2% of new car sales in 2023
- The NZ government has set a target of 100% electric vehicle registrations by 2035
- There are over 81,000 fully electric light vehicles in NZ as of February 2025
- The NZ government has implemented a Clean Car Standard to reduce emissions
- The NZ government has ended rebate schemes for electric vehicles
Electric vehicle registrations reached 27.2% of new car sales in 2023
Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining traction in New Zealand, with a notable increase in registrations in recent years. In December 2023, electric vehicle registrations reached 27.2% of new car sales, reflecting a significant shift towards electrification in the country's automotive sector. This development underscores the growing popularity of EVs and the efforts made by both the government and consumers to embrace more sustainable transportation options.
The New Zealand government has played a pivotal role in promoting the adoption of electric vehicles. In May 2016, the National-led government launched an Electric Vehicle Programme, which included various incentives such as exemptions from road user charges (RUC) and access to bus lanes and preferential parking. These incentives were designed to reduce the financial burden on EV owners and make their driving experience more convenient. While the access to bus lanes and preferential parking was eventually discontinued due to concerns raised by bus operators and the public, the government continued to show its commitment to supporting EV uptake.
The Clean Car Standard, enacted in 2022, set ambitious targets for reducing emissions from new and used imported passenger vehicles. This legislation imposed financial penalties for non-compliance, ensuring a steady decline in emissions per kilometre travelled. Additionally, the Clean Vehicles Act of February 2022 introduced charges on the purchase of high-emission cars, further incentivising consumers to opt for electric alternatives. These policy measures contributed to a favourable environment for EV adoption, with the government aiming for 50% of all light vehicle registrations by 2029 to be electric and a complete transition by 2035.
The increasing number of EV models available and the competitive pricing of entry-level vehicles have also played a significant role in the growing EV registrations. The government's collaboration with local and central government agencies, power companies, and the motor industry has resulted in improved charging infrastructure. This includes the establishment of a contestable fund of NZD $6 million to encourage innovation and investment in EVs and other low-emission vehicles. As a result, by June 2023, there were over 315 electric vehicle DC chargers across New Zealand, making it more convenient for EV owners to charge their vehicles.
The surge in EV registrations in New Zealand is part of a global trend. Worldwide EV sales rose by 41% in 2020, outpacing the growth of general car sales. With governments setting stricter fuel efficiency standards and vehicle manufacturers expanding their EV offerings, the market for electric vehicles is expected to continue its upward trajectory. New Zealand's high renewable energy supply, prevalence of off-street parking, and relatively short urban commutes also make it an ideal market for the continued adoption of EVs.
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The NZ government has set a target of 100% electric vehicle registrations by 2035
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming an increasingly common sight on New Zealand's roads. The NZ government has set a target of 100% electric vehicle registrations by 2035, and the country is well-placed to achieve this. More than 80% of New Zealand's electricity is generated from renewable sources, and there is enough supply for widespread EV adoption. In addition, over 85% of homes have off-street parking, making home charging easy and convenient. The country's low average commute distance of 22km per day is also well within the range of current EV batteries.
The NZ government has implemented several policies and incentives to encourage the uptake of EVs. In May 2016, the National-led government launched an Electric Vehicle Programme, which included exemptions from road user charges (RUC) for EVs until April 1, 2024. Other incentives have included access to bus lanes and preferential parking, reduced ACC levies, and rebates. The government has also proposed a "cash for clunkers" scheme, which would incentivise low-income drivers to trade their petrol or diesel cars for discounted electric vehicles. While this scheme was abandoned in March 2023, other initiatives such as the Clean Car Discount offer up to NZD $8,000 on purchases of new zero-emissions vehicles.
The number of EVs in New Zealand has grown significantly in recent years. In 2020, there were 26,000 registered EVs in the country, and the government aimed to have an additional 60,000 on the roads by 2023. By the end of 2023, electric vehicles accounted for 27.2% of new car sales, and by the end of 2024, there were 119,036 registered plug-in electric vehicles, making up 2.4% of the national fleet of 4.9 million vehicles. While EV market share decreased in 2024 due to the ending of rebates and the implementation of road taxes, the country is still on track to meet its target of 50% of all light vehicle registrations being electric by 2029.
To support the growing EV fleet, New Zealand is also developing its EV charging infrastructure. As of June 2023, there were over 315 electric vehicle DC chargers across the country at over 275 locations. The government has established a contestable fund of NZD $6 million to support projects that encourage innovation and investment in EVs and other low-emission vehicles. Additionally, the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has published guidance on public charging infrastructure, providing standards and recommendations to help investors set up a network of charging facilities accessible to as many drivers as possible.
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There are over 81,000 fully electric light vehicles in NZ as of February 2025
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular in New Zealand. As of February 2025, there are over 81,000 fully electric light vehicles in the country, with an additional 36,500 plug-in hybrids. This represents a significant increase since 2021, when there were fewer than 2,000 electric vehicles on New Zealand roads. The number of EVs in the country has grown due to a range of factors, including a rebate scheme, a wider selection of EV models, and competitive pricing for entry-level vehicles.
The New Zealand government has implemented various policies and incentives to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles. In May 2016, the National-led government launched an Electric Vehicle Programme, which included exemptions from road user charges (RUC) for electric vehicles until April 1, 2024. This exemption resulted in significant savings for EV owners, with reduced ACC levies and lower operating costs compared to petrol or diesel vehicles. The government has also set ambitious targets for EV adoption, aiming for 50% of all light vehicle registrations by 2029 to be electric and a complete transition to electric vehicles by 2035.
To support the growing EV fleet, New Zealand is expanding its EV charging infrastructure. As of June 2023, there were over 315 electric vehicle DC chargers across the country at over 275 locations. The government is also working to develop a strategic roadmap for the future EV charging network, ensuring that public funding is well-targeted and effectively supports the increasing number of electric vehicles on the roads.
The adoption of electric vehicles is crucial for reducing transport emissions in New Zealand. Transport currently accounts for about 21% of the country's carbon footprint, with most of these emissions coming from light vehicles. By transitioning to electric vehicles, New Zealand can significantly reduce its carbon emissions and move towards a more sustainable future.
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The NZ government has implemented a Clean Car Standard to reduce emissions
Electric vehicles (EVs) have been gaining popularity in New Zealand. In 2020, there were more EVs in New Zealand than in Australia, despite the latter having five times the population. By the end of 2023, New Zealand's electric vehicle registrations reached 27.2% of new car sales, with 119,036 registered plug-in electric vehicles.
To further encourage the adoption of EVs and reduce emissions, the New Zealand government has implemented a Clean Car Standard. This standard focuses on the supply of vehicles entering the country, aiming to reduce the average emissions of new and used imported passenger vehicles. The plan is to phase in a stepped reduction, with targets of 145 grams per kilometre travelled in 2023 and an ambitious 63.3g/km by 2027. Financial penalties will be imposed on importers if these targets are not met.
The Clean Car Standard requires vehicle importers to progressively reduce the CO2 emissions of light vehicles, both new and used. This is achieved by setting CO2 targets that increase in ambition each year. The standard encourages importers to bring in vehicles with lower emissions, giving New Zealanders more choices for fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly options. High-emission vehicles can still be imported, but their emissions must be offset by importing a sufficient number of low-emission vehicles.
The Clean Car Discount scheme, which began in 2021, provided rebates and charges based on carbon emissions for new and used vehicle imports. While this scheme was repealed by December 2023, it helped make electric and low-emission vehicles more affordable, reducing the upfront cost of switching to an EV. The Clean Car Standard and related initiatives are part of the government's commitment to reducing transport emissions, which currently account for 20% of all emissions produced in New Zealand.
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The NZ government has ended rebate schemes for electric vehicles
New Zealand has made significant progress in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), with various government policies supporting this shift. The National-led government launched an Electric Vehicle Programme in May 2016 to encourage EV uptake, offering exemptions from road user charges (RUCs) and other incentives. However, as of January 1, 2024, the Clean Car Discount (CCD) scheme, which provided rebates for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, has come to an end.
The CCD scheme was introduced in June 2021 to stimulate the market and incentivize the purchase of low-emission vehicles. It imposed fees on buyers of newly imported combustion engine vehicles, using that money to fund rebates for electric cars and plug-in hybrids. The scheme was designed to be financially neutral, but when demand for low-emission vehicles outpaced the fees collected, the Labour government adjusted the scheme, increasing fees for higher-emitting vehicles.
Despite the success of the CCD scheme in increasing the number of low-emission vehicles on New Zealand roads, the National government committed to scrapping the rebate and higher fees for high-emitting vehicles. This change came into effect on January 1, 2024, with no new applications for rebates accepted after December 31, 2023. The end of the rebate scheme was accompanied by the removal of fees for high-emitting vehicles, which had been a point of concern for farmers, tradies, and other ute drivers.
While the removal of incentives may slow the market for electric vehicles, the Transport Minister has stated that advice shows this change will not prevent New Zealand from meeting its first carbon budget, covering the period from 2022 to 2025. Additionally, the government has set ambitious targets for EV adoption, aiming for 50% of all light vehicle registrations by 2029 and 100% by 2035. To support this transition, New Zealand has proposed a ""cash for clunkers" scheme, which would incentivize low-income drivers to trade their petrol or diesel cars for discounted electric vehicles.
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Frequently asked questions
As of the end of February 2025, there are over 81,000 fully electric light vehicles and around 36,500 plug-in hybrids in New Zealand. By the end of 2023, New Zealand electric vehicle registrations reached 27.2% of new car sales.
The New Zealand government has implemented various policies to encourage the uptake of electric vehicles, including monetary incentives, electric vehicle discounts, and exemptions from road user charges. The government has also set targets for electric vehicle adoption, aiming for 50% of all light vehicle registrations by 2029 to be electric vehicles and 100% by 2035.
Transport makes up about 21% of New Zealand's carbon footprint, with most of this coming from light vehicles. By increasing the number of electric vehicles, New Zealand can significantly reduce its carbon emissions and work towards meeting its emissions reduction targets.
