Making sense of EV uptake: sources and definitions

Methodology

The automotive market is complex, made up of light and heavy vehicles, passenger and commercial. Vehicles can be registered as new or used (i.e. already been owned in another country).

Different countries can measure different segments of the market. Some only count fully-electric vehicles (BEVs), while others include PHEVs (plug-in hybrids).

Many regions (such as Europe or China) only focus on new passenger cars (and separate out commercial vehicles – typically vans). So, when comparing NZ EV uptake with these regions we tend to focus on new passenger cars.

However, in NZ (and Australia) – a large number of light vehicles registered are Utes. While they are registered as a commercial vehicle, the most popular format is double-cab. The intention of a double cab is to carry passengers, and a significant number of Utes are registered to individuals (not companies).

A more accurate representation of EV uptake includes passenger cars and utes (and vans). However, there have been very little options of electrification in the Ute market, but this will expand in 2025-2030.

To get the full picture of the entire light fleet, EVDB also includes used imports as well (on the light vehicle market share report).

Definitions

  • EV – Anything with a plug (BEV and PHEV) – as per NZTA definition.
  • BEV – Battery Electric Vehicle (full electric, no combustion engine).
  • PHEV – Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (a battery that can be charged externally, as well as a combustion engine).
  • Hybrid – A combustion vehicle that also has a battery and electric motor. The battery cannot be charged externally.
  • Light vehicle – A vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Mass of under 3,500 kg and a type of PASSENGER CAR/VAN or GOODS VAN/TRUCK/UTILITY. Includes cars (sedans, SUVs, hatchbacks, etc.), small vans (like a Toyota Hiace), and Utes (Ford Ranger, etc.).
  • New vs used imports – All vehicles registered in NZ are imported built up. Some have been pre-owned (typically in Japan or the UK).
  • Vehicle segmentation criteria – based on FCAI.

Data Sources

Attribution

“New Zealand vehicle fleet open data sets” by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, used under CC BY 4.0 License. Data was modified for analysis purposes.

NZTA Waka Kotahi

  • NZ Fleet Open Datasets: Link.

Ministry of Transport