Electric Vehicle use rising as public charging network expands

The government's Clean Car Discount is driving a significant increase in electric vehicle (EV) use and helping New Zealand achieve its climate goals.

More than 156,000 rebates have now been paid to EV and hybrid customers since July 2021, when the scheme started.

The rate of EV and hybrid registrations is increasing – they accounted for more than 53% of all new vehicle registrations since July 2023, compared with 39% between April 2022 and June 2023.

Average carbon dioxide emissions from newly-registered vehicles are now at 126 grams per kilometre – the lowest on record – compared to 188 grams when the scheme started.

Research by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) found 62% of EV owners bought their EVs ahead of schedule because of the Clean Car Discount.

This is helping New Zealand achieve its target of increasing zero-emission vehicles to 30% of the light vehicle fleet and reducing emissions from freight transport by 35% by 2035.

NZ’s charging infrastructure continues expanding

Just before the election, co-funding was confirmed for over 100 EV chargers – with over 200 charging ports altogether – across New Zealand, with the cost to be split between the government and private investors.

EECA research shows that while 80% of EV users do more than half their charging at home, they'd like a range of public options available to them, especially on longer journeys. As a result:

• Chargers will be built in shopping centres, where people may be parked for up to a couple of hours.
• Chargers will also be placed on main highways at 19 popular holiday routes, including Bombay, Turangi and Wanaka.
• New Zealand will receive its first charging hubs, where up to 10 high-speed chargers will be placed alongside amenities like restaurants and toilets.

The hope is that as more charging infrastructure is built, more New Zealanders will switch to EVs, which will help the country achieve its climate goals.

I can help you get a great car loan

There are some excellent hybrid and electric vehicles on the market right now, which partly explains why they’re becoming increasingly popular with consumers.

If you’d like to buy one, I can help you finance the purchase. Get in touch and I’ll be happy to compare different loan options for you and manage your application.