Electric Cars & Vehicles in NZ

We believe that home is the best place in the world. That’s why we’re working hard to build more renewable energy as well as help people understand how electric vehicles (EVs) could reduce transport emissions in Aotearoa New Zealand.

EVs are an environmentally friendlier way to travel. With prices coming down, and petrol prices going up, it’s no surprise more Kiwis are making the change to EVs.

So what are they? Are they really cheaper to run than conventional cars? What’s the difference between hybrids and electric vehicles? And are there trade-offs when you go electric?

EVs are looking like the way of the future. It’s clear we need an alternative to fossil fuels and New Zealand has a target to be carbon neutral by 2050. This means Aotearoa needs to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to net zero, and we want to do our part to help.

Running our cars on fossil fuels is a huge part of New Zealand's carbon footprint. Land transport are the second largest source GHG emissions in New Zealand, nearly 90% of which are from vehicles using our roads.

Electric vehicles look like one of the answers to our future transport needs. They have reduced emissions and less dependency on fossil fuels or petrol stations.

With more out of home charging places being built across the country and technology advances improving travel times between charges, the time to look into electric vehicles is now!

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Types of electric vehicles

More car brands are investing in electric vehicles as they work to phase out internal combustion engines and become 100% electric only. This brings better technology, a wider range of models and lower initial vehicle costs.

Now's the time to learn the difference between Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs/EVs), Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs) and Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs).

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Charging an EV

Where do you charge? How long to charge? We've pulled together some key information about charging EV cars at home and at charging stations. It's important to understand types of EV home charges and consider the best power plan to suit your EV and household energy needs.

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The costs of having an EV

When looking into the cost of an EV or any car, it’s important to consider both the initial cost of the vehicle and the long-term costs to run and maintain. The main areas for consideration to get you moving are EV prices, the costs to charge one and ongoing maintenance costs.

Keep reading to look at these in more detail.