In the first twelve months since the Government released its Electric Vehicle Strategy, EV registrations in New Zealand are increasing quickly. Light EVs (cars) are a growing proportion of registrations, dominated by used imports, with individuals owning more light EVs than companies. The “others” group (typically councils, regional and local government) is growing quarter by quarter.
According to the Ministry of Transport website, EV vehicle registrations doubled following the Government’s EV Strategy announcement in May 2016, from 87 in that month to 195 in June. There have been some ups and downs on monthly registration numbers, but on average, EV registrations have stayed at just under 200 per month for the past year. Continuing into the 2017 calendar year however, and registrations have crossed over the 200 mark to average 207 per month.
As to where the EVs are on a regional basis, Auckland is the clear “home of the EV in NZ”. Next best – and a long way behind – is Canterbury, Wellington and then Otago. Look at that in an “EV per 1,000 population” basis, and while Auckland still tops, not so far behind is Otago, ahead of Wellington, Canterbury, Northland and Nelson/Marlborough.
Although only a small percentage of the overall EVs in New Zealand, heavy electric vehicles are showing their presence as the integration into the national fleet continues on target.