Strap yourself in, as we have a sneaky peek into the future and discover some seriously cool EV’s hitting New Zealand showrooms soon. If you’re thinking about taking the plunge and buying a new EV, maybe one of these will tickle your fancy…
Please note that prices for these vehicles are yet to be released, these are estimates only.
VW ID. Buzz
There's a buzz around the new Buzz. VW’s latest electric vehicle pays homage to the Kombi - the retro hipster van that has captivated VW enthusiasts for over seven decades.
There will be cargo van, five-seater and undoubtedly camper versions featuring a rear wheel drive 82 kWh battery capable of 150kW and 310 Nm.
The Plug & Charge function is a bi-directional charging system allowing the Buzz to store energy and transfer to other applications, like vehicle-to-home or vehicle-to-vehicle…Aww, thanks Buzz, sharing is caring.
Not only does it have a cool name, it also comes in cool colour schemes, such as, Lime Yellow, Energetic Orange or Bay Leaf Green.
Price Indication: $100k - $140k
Cadillac LYRIQ
The LYRIQ is the first in Cadillac’s lineup of all-electric vehicles and if you are in the market for a luxury SUV, this is something that might rev your (silent) electric engine!
Powered by GM’s Ultium 102kWh Battery Platform, the all wheel drive version features dual motors rated at 373kW power, capable of moving the large SUV from 0-100 in under 5 seconds. Which is impressive considering it weighs nearly 2.7 tonne.
And it’s big! At 4,966mm its slightly longer than a Toyota Highlander, but not as tall, giving it the sleek look. The overall design is quite stunning, with Cadillac’s signature eye-catching front end and sharply angled rear, the LYRIQ sure to turn heads.
Aimed at the premium SUV buyer, the LYRIQ will be taking on the likes of BMW X5, Audi Q7 and Mercedes EQE range of EV SUV’s.
Price Indication: Up to $100k
Overseas model shown. Local production model will vary.
Kia EV5
The stylishly boxy Kia EV5 is quietly rolling into 2024. We expect it to be released very soon.
The EV5 is a midsize, five-seater SUV with five versions available: EV5 Earth 2WD, Earth AWD, Light, Light + and GT-Line. Range is touted at ‘exceeding 500km’ (WLTP standard) from an 84kWh LFP battery.
Kia’s EV styling cues are refreshing and futuristic, with the EV9 and newly launched EV3 sharing a familiar angular look (EV4 sedan may come here too). Those iconic zig-zag Kia LED daytime lights continue on the EV5, making them easy to spot in a crowd.
Kia partners with the Ocean Cleanup charity, which removes plastic pollution from rivers and oceans, nice work Kia!
Price Indication: Starting from $67,990
Cupra Tavascan
Mention Cupra to most people and they scratch their head. It’s a Spanish car brand owned by Volkswagen that makes some awesome performance cars. Cupra debuted in New Zealand in 2019 but has been around since 1996.
The Cupra Tavascan is the first electric SUV coupé for the company. And don’t worry, coupe doesn’t mean two doors (it has five). The Tavacan is a medium sized five-seater SUV with a sloping roofline and copper-coloured accents inside and out.
If there was an award for spectacular alloy wheels, the Tavascan would win hands down. The black spoke Aero design with trademark copper highlights are works of art. Range is 517km (WLTP) from a 82 kWh and it is expected there will be both 2WD and AWD versions, with the dual motor capable of 0-100km in 5.5 seconds.
We can’t wait to see the Tavascan in the flesh.
Price Indication: Starting from $80kish
Mini Aceman
Meet the newest edition to the Mini clan, the Aceman E. It sits between the Cooper and Countryman in size, has two models, the E with 135kW and the SE with 160kW. Range is stated to be 310km (WLTP standard) and 0-100km figures are 7.1 seconds and 7.9 seconds.
The exterior is still recognisably Mini, but those iconic round headlights are replaced with a new octagonal LED design. There’s heaps of tech including your own intelligent personal assistant to answer any questions.
Mini’s commitment to sustainability is evident with vegan leather, recycled aluminum and a 2D knitted recycled textile dashboard that must be seen, it’s gorgeous!
Sadly, Goodbye Pork Pie Yellow is not in the colour range…yet!
Price indication: Starting from $64K
