Feature article
Cheapest EVs in NZ - Guide
The public’s appetite for new electric vehicles has cooled in NZ as we roll through 2024, and so prices have dropped.
Last updated: 8 November 2024
The public’s appetite for new electric vehicles has cooled in New Zealand as we roll through 2024, and so prices have been dropping. When the coalition announced it would be removing the rebates that the previous government had in place, there was a rush of sales in December 2023. This was the last month of the scheme and people scrambled to snap up the remains of the free rebate cash.
Ever since, EV sales in NZ have been slow. With low demand, but plenty of supply, car makers have been slowly lowering prices to meet the market. And so you have a situation where you would now get a better deal on a new electric vehicle than you would ever have previously, even with the rebate.
Some models have had their asking price reduced by tens of thousands of dollars. That’s great if you’re looking to buy now, not so great had you paid the money asked before the big reductions. Some of the biggest reductions include up to $35k off the Kia EV9 GT-Line, but that’s still $99,990, so hardly cheap. The same goes at Polestar, where the Polestar 2 is around $20k cheaper than it was a few months ago, though still up around $50k for the most affordable model.
At the other end of the market, there are some genuine bargains to be had.
A new Nissan Leaf for under $30k?
Prices have dropped at the other end of the market too, Nissan sending the Leaf out the door for $29,990, plus on roads. That is for the Leaf 40kWh model, which has a range of 270km WLTP. That’s likely the best you’ll get in the city, where your open road range might be more like 210km. This Leaf has a 40kWh NMC battery, with a max AC charge rate of 6.6kW and 46kW on the fast charger.
The Leaf has a 110kW motor powering the front wheels and can nip to 100km/h in 7.9s. It is a five door hatchback, measuring 4490mm in length, with boot space rated to 435L.
If you can find a few more dollars, the Leaf e+ 59kWh, at $36,990, is better buying. With its larger battery it has a 385km WLTP rated range, which you’ll get at least 300km of driving on the highway. It has a bit more power too, with a 160kW motor. It’s only fractionally faster when it comes to charging though, with a 50kW DC max.
What else can you get for under $40k?
The best of them under $40k is the MG 4 Excite 51 at $38,990 plus on roads. This has a 51kWh LFP battery, with a WLTP range of 350km, or around 280-300 on the open road. What makes this five door more interesting is that it has its 125kW motor on the rear, making it an entertaining drive. It is rated to tow up to 500kg, and its boot is measured at 363L. It can be charged at a DC unit at a max rate of 88kW.
The petite Fiat 500e would suit hip urbanites, and is now priced at $36,990. With a 42kWh NMC battery, it has a quoted WLTP range of 320km, but you’re likely to only get about 250km on the open road. It does have a decent DC charge rate of 85kW. It is small, just 3.6m long, and it’s tight in the rear if you have passengers to carry regularly. The boot is tiny also.
What is the cheapest SUV EV?
That would be the MG ZS EV. It is nearing the end of its life, with a replacement due later next year. That might mean even further price reductions as they look to clear stock. Currently it is priced at $40,990. With an LFP 51kWh battery, MG quotes range at 320km WLTP, and you can expect about 250-270km when travelling the highways. This small (4323mm long) front-drive SUV gets a 130kW motor, hits 100km/h in 8.2s and charges at rates of up to 11kW AC and 75 kW DC.
Shop all EV listings on Trade Me Motors.
Author
Kyle has been reviewing cars since starting at NZ Autocar magazine in 2003 and has been editor since 2009. In that time he’s become an expert on what makes for a good vehicle while also gaining insights into the local automotive industry.
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