In the market for a new battery electric vehicle (BEV) this year? Your options are growing all the time as new models are announced, but expect to be waiting a while – demand is soaring, and supply is limited by the global semiconductor shortage.
Sales for BEVs were up 345% in 2021 compared to 2020, helped along by the clean car rebates. Here are New Zealand’s 10 top-selling models for 2022 so far – and you’ll notice that nearly every car in the top 10 is eligible for the full rebate, which really helps bring down the price.
If one of these takes your fancy, get in touch with a dealership and find out how long it might take to get hold of one; only the Hyundai Ioniq and Kia EV6 are available now. The good news is that most brands will put you on a waitlist and let you change your mind right up until the car is registered.
Tesla Model 3: 1,304 units
A runaway leader in the sales stakes, the Tesla Model 3 demonstrates the brand’s expertise in BEVs. It has a range* of 491km, a 6.2kWh battery with dual electric motors, and it goes from zero to 100km/hr in just 6.1 seconds. It does all this at a great price: the rear-wheel drive starts from $74,900 + ORC and is eligible for a clean car rebate of $8,625, or you can upgrade to the performance or long-range all-wheel drive options.
Hyundai Kona: 513 units
The Kona Electric Series II comes in a base and an elite model, with two motor and battery options in each. Its SUV styling, along with an appealing price tag, make it a winner for Kiwi households. A strong all-round performer, the base model Kona has a range of 305km and is priced from $69,900 + ORC, eligible for a clean car rebate of $8,625.
Polestar 2: 417 units
Demand for the Polestar 2 has been running hot, with its first New Zealand allocation quickly selling out in the first half of 2022. This is a high-quality BEV on par with the Tesla Model 3, with impressively low emissions in its construction – Polestar is aiming to make the 2 a climate-neutral vehicle by 2030. Although it’s not quite as quick to accelerate as the Tesla Model 3, the 470km range is longer.
The standard range single motor retails for $69,990 total drive-away price, eligible for a clean car rebate of $8,625; or choose from long range single motor or long range dual motor options.
Hyundai Ioniq 5: 309 units
A practical family SUV that manages to sneak in at just the right price, it’s no wonder the Ioniq 5 has been a popular seller. The Ioniq 5 is quick – from 0 to 100km/hr in just 5.2 seconds, it’s faster than the Tesla Model 3. It was the best-selling EV in New Zealand for the month of May, and its distinctive origami-fold styling makes it stand out from the crowd.
The Ioniq 5 Entry (55kWh; 2WD) retails for $79,990 total drive-away price; eligible for a clean car rebate of $8,625. You can also choose a 72kWh battery in 2WD or AWD, or the 72kWh Elite 2WD, or the 72kWh Limited AWD.
MG ZS: 237 units
This is New Zealand’s cheapest pure electric vehicle – once you subtract the clean car rebate the ZS EV is just a shade over $40,000. The ZS is well-built and peppy, perfect for zipping around the city with the kids in the back. With a respectable 320km range and quick charging times, expect to see the ZS remain a strong seller.
You can choose from the Excite or Essence options; the Excite is $49,990 total drive-away price, eligible for a clean car rebate of $8,625.
Nissan LEAF: 201 units
Originally launched back in 2021, the LEAF was one of the earliest BEVs seen on New Zealand roads and it has plenty of fans. With this pedigree, Nissan is getting pretty good at making an excellent BEV, and the LEAF is the world’s best-selling electric vehicle. It’s a great urban run-around, perfect for two-car households where your other vehicle can make the long trips.
The LEAF is priced at $61,990 + ORC and is eligible for a clean car rebate of $8,625, or you can upgrade to the LEAF e+ with a larger battery.
Kia Niro: 148 units
Sharing seventh spot with the BMW i, the Niro is an SUV with space and versatility, a single charge on the Kia Niro EV will take you an impressive 455km – that’s roughly the driving distance between Auckland and Palmerston North. Or at least, that was the 2022 model, which sold out lightning quick. The E option was priced from $77,990 + ORC and was eligible for a clean car rebate of $8,625. The newest Niro has not yet been released and pricing has not been announced.
BMW i series: 148 units
As the only cars on this list not eligible for the clean car discount, the BMW i series SUVs are pricier but deliver more features and higher performance. The iX3 has an 80kWh battery and goes from 0 to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds, which is impressive considering its size. The range of 461km is enough to feel comfortable on long trips, too, making this an all-purpose family BEV. The iX3 starts from $118,900, with various options. Other models include the iX M40, M50 and M60, and a new iX1 can now be reserved.
Hyundai Ioniq: 126 units
One of the rare EVs on this list that actually has stock available to buy, the Ioniq is a versatile hatch that is ideal for the city but also works for longer trips with a 311km range. Plenty of boot space, efficient and reliable, this is a solid option from a brand with an excellent reputation for producing quality BEVs. Available in Entry or Elite options; the Entry model starts at $65,990 total drive-away price and is eligible for a clean car rebate of $8,625.
Kia EV6: 124 units
The very much anticipated Kia EV6 arrived in New Zealand early this year with two models in the line-up available under the $80k mark. the EV6 Air RWD Standard Range with a 58.0kWh battery and the EV6 Air RWD Long Range with the larger 77.4kWh battery, priced from $72,990 and $78,990 respectively, both eligible for a clean car rebate of $8,625.
The Kia EV6 crossover is the brand’s first-ever dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV) built on an all-new platform. The line-up also includes the Earth and GT-Line models. With a 394km range for the Air RWD Standard to 528km for the Air RWD Long Range.
*WLTP range ratings.
BEV sales figures based on Motor Industry Association (MIA) data for January - June 2022.