The number of EVs in NZ has grown considerably since 2021. A rebate scheme, a growing selection of EV models, and favourable pricing for entry-level vehicles led to increased uptake in 2022-2023.
In 2024, EV market share decreased. The ending of rebates and the implementation of road taxes (matching diesel rates) contributed to a decline in demand.
Latest Update
In December 2024, 959 fully electric light vehicles (BEVs) were registered. A further 768 plug-in hybrids were registered.
8.7% of new light vehicles were BEVs – this marks the highest monthly percentage in 2024.
The Tesla Model Y was the most popular electric car in December (and for all of 2024).
How many fully electric vehicles are there in New Zealand?
As of the end of December 2024, there are over 80,000 fully electric light vehicles (plus around 35,000 plug-in hybrids).
BEVs in New Zealand
Number and percentage of battery electric vehicles in light vehicle fleet
What proportion of new vehicles registered each month are fully electric?
There was a surge of EV registrations in the final quarter of 2023 (due to the ending of a government incentive scheme). 2024 has a reduced but more consistent monthly market share.
Explore market share of new passenger cars (interactive) →
How many plug-in vehicles are there in New Zealand?
NZTA defines an electric vehicle (EV) as either fully electric or plug-in hybrid (as both can be propelled by externally charged electricity).
Both kinds of vehicles have shown significant growth since 2019. Although there are more fully electric vehicles on the roads than PHEVs, the share of PHEVs among plug-in vehicles has grown marginally faster.
Plug-in EVs in New Zealand
Number and percentage of plug-ins (BEV + PHEV) in light vehicle fleet
What proportion of new vehicles sold monthly are plug-in hybrid or fully electric?
How has electric car market share changed over time?
In 2020, just 2.8% of new passenger cars were plug-ins. The huge market share of 2023 coincided with the impending ending of a rebate scheme.
What does the make-up of the light vehicle fleet look like?
If the vehicle fleet were represented by 100 vehicles, it would look like this.
NZ light vehicle fleet
Drill down into market share of all light vehicles →
Are electric vehicles replacing petrol vehicles?
The peak number of petrol vehicles (non-hybrids) in New Zealand occurred during 2019-2021 before declining.
Our roads are seeing more light diesel and hybrid vehicles and, to a lesser extent, more fully electric vehicles.
