EV Models and Where to Buy
EVs make excellent family or fleet vehicles since they’re much cheaper to run and maintain than an equivalent petrol or diesel powered vehicle”. But which one is right for you?
There are an increasing number of new EVs and PHEVs coming onto the market (we’ll update this information so you know when new models will be available to purchase), and used car importers are now bringing in a range of used EVs and PHEVs too – you’ll find them on TradeMe and other car auction sites.
Here’s a list of EVs you might like to consider.
Fully Electric
Nissan Leaf
This five seater hatchback has a range of 170km on full charge and can be fast-charged. You can buy one of these secondhand for between $10,000-$65,000 depending on the model.
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BMW i3
An excellent town car, with fantastic acceleration and a range of up to 260 km (Gen3). With a cost between $40,000 – $85,000.
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Tesla Motors Model S
Powerful to drive, with a range of over 400km and seats seven. It can be purchased in New Zealand from the Tesla outlet in Auckland $129,000 + optional upgrades.
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Nissan eNV200
A versatile vehicle, this can be a two-seater van or a seven seat family wagon. It has a good average range 120km or 194km depending on the model, it can be fast charged, and has an import price of between $20,000 – $50,000.
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Tesla Motors Model X
Combines the space and functionality of a sport utility vehicle and the uncompromised performance of a Tesla. With an average range of 413km you’ll expect to pay between $139,000 + optional upgrades. Tesla vehicles can be purchased in New Zealand from the Tesla outlet in Auckland
Renault Zoe
This 5-door hatch back’s range is between 115km and 350km depending on the model – a great town car for about $30,000 – $40,000.
VW e-Golf
This EV has a range of 133km (or 201km for Gen 2) and seats five. It can be fast charged and may cost $40,000 to $62,000 on arrival in New Zealand.
Tesla Motors Model 3
Now in production, this powerful sedan seats five and has a range between 340km and 500km. Starting at $35,000USD, and online deposits of $1,000USD are being accepted for an expected rollout in 2018. Anticipated availability in New Zealand is early 2019.
Renault Kangoo
This light commercial vehicle can seat between two and five people and retails for between $74,990 and $77,990.
Mitsubishi iMiev / Peugeot iOn
You get a range of 100km in this four seater hatchback. It can be fast-charged and used models start at $12,000.
Hyundai Ioniq
Ioniq gives you the power of choice. Each model, all-electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid, is based on a dedicated vehicle platform designed to enhance efficiency, comfort and handling. $60,000 and 219km range. (Full EV model.)
Hyundai Kona
The Kona Electric is a compact electric SUV with over 400km range. Combining leading safety technology, impressive performance and the versatility of an SUV makes for a truly groundbreaking vehicle which represents the future of motoring. The Hyundai Konda has a range of 402km and models are going for $74,000.
Kia Soul EV
The Kia Soul EV is an all-electric subcompact crossover SUV with a range of 376km this car perfect for long distances. Suitable for fast charging and costing $160,000.
Jaguar i-Pace
The Jaguar I-Pace is a battery-electric crossover SUV produced by British automotive company Jaguar Land Rover. It is the first electric SUV from a premium European automaker. With an incredible range of 391km on the 2019 model. Used models start at $35,000.
Kia Niro
Kia has an all-electric version of the Niro with a range of 455km this car perfect for long distances. Suitable for fast charging and costing $74,000.
Audi e-tron
Audi’s first 100% electric mass-produced model. Lithium-ion battery offers 417 km range. First series production vehicle that can charge at fast charging stations with direct current (DC) at up to 150kW. Prices starting at $148,500.
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Plug in Hybrids
Audi A3 e-tron
Combines sportiness and luxury you expect from an Audi with the benefits of a hybrid, $75,000.
BMW 225xe
Combining the BMW eDrive and a petrol engine, this offers both an electric driving experience and unlimited mobility – $68,000.
BMW 330e
This plug-in-hybrid 3-series is grunty, with excellent fuel efficiency – it can also run on electric power for up to 40km – $90,000.
BMW X5 xDrive40e
Combining the versatility of an SAV, the control of xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive, and EfficientDynamics eDrive technology – $149,000.
BMW i8
Looks and performs like a sports car, but offering the efficiency of a plug-in hybrid – $276,000.
Mercedes Benz 350e
Available as a Sedan or Wagon, this costs around $96,000, and has a range of 31km in purely electric mode.
Mercedes Benz GLE500e
The first plug-in hybrid in this model range, combines a 333 hp V6 engine with a 116 hp electric motor, $150,000.
Mercedes Benz S 500 e
The S 500 offers an ultramodern hybrid drive configuration and emission-free driving for up to 33km, $255,000
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
New Outlander Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle boasts all the comforts and refinements of the Outlander range and brings a host of new technologies and touches throughout, from $59,990.
Porsche Cayenne S ehybrid
A luxury model with an everyday driving range of 36-38kh, purchase new from $175,000.
Porsche Panamera 4 e-hybrid
A luxury high-performance model with a .2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine producing 330hp and the electric motor producing 136hp. Prices vary according to spec.
Volvo XC90 T8
A luxury high-performance plug-in hybrid SUV offering comfort, safety, and a high level of efficiency for $134,000.
Toyota PlugIn Prius
A mid-size plug-in hybrid and the first generation of PHV prius available exclusively as part of the Signature Class range. Available used only for $35,000 – $40,000.
BMW i3 REX
An excellent town car, with fantastic acceleration and a range of up to 160 km. Buy new for $82,400.00.
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Hyundai Ioniq
Ioniq gives you the power of choice. Each model, all-electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid, is based on a dedicated vehicle platform designed to enhance efficiency, comfort and handling. $60,000 and 30km EV range + petrol range.
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Where to get a used EV
Second-hand EVs are imported from the UK and Japan. In the UK and Japan, EVs get tax breaks and other financial incentives, which are passed on to New Zealand buyers.
Because EVs need very little maintenance, even one that has clocked 10K is almost like new. You might like to look for these cars on TradeMe Motors. You’ll find the likes of Nissan Leaf available for less than $20,000. This will help you lower your upfront investment to switch.
Trying an EV first
If you don’t know much about EVs, you don’t need to jump right in and buy one. If you’d like to test drive another kind of EV, click on any of the links below to arrange directly with the manufacturer:
You could also try contacting Blue Cars for a 4 or 7 day rental of a Nissan Leaf, and an introductory lesson on EV driving and charging. If afterward you decide to buy a Leaf, Blue Cars will negotiate a $500 discount off the purchase price. They also provide mobile and fixed charging options.
Getting your EV set up at home
Once you have an EV, you’ll need the equipment to keep in running. There are a number of long long-established suppliers of EV chargers who fully understand what you will need.
Just contact any one of these companies directly:
Become a member of Drive Electric
Becoming a member of DE is all about committing to the vision of a totally electric New Zealand. You’ll be part of the conversation that will help shape infrastructure and legislation around EV.
You’ll also get:
- Access to professional advice
- Discounted tickets to events
- Opportunity to help shape the future
- Information on future funding for EV innovation
Find more information about project funding, go to http://www.transport.govt.nz/ourwork/climatechange/electric-vehicles.