EV prices have never been better

The EV price barrier is crumbling. For a long time, many of us wanting to make the electric transition have been hitting a solid wall of dollars and cents. That time is over.

The numbers are in: there has never been a cheaper time to buy an EV in New Zealand.

So forget the Clean Car Discount. The tipping point for EVs in New Zealand is no longer about policy, it’s about price and practicality.

The EV market has seen a dramatic price decrease in the past 12 months, falling at a rate few predicted thanks to global supply chains stabilising, a drop in battery prices, and—the key piece of the puzzle—competition increasing.

In the past year, Chinese manufacturers like BYD and MG have released a wave of affordable models, prompting price cuts from other EV manufacturers. 

The result: a win for consumers. EVs are now genuinely affordable and a more economic long-term purchase than traditional internal combustion vehicles.

In many cases, today’s EV prices are lower than they were during the height of government support in New Zealand. And when you consider the total cost of ownership, the case for going electric has never been stronger.

EV prices in New Zealand

On the streets of New Zealand, BYD vehicles seem to be everywhere. Their Dolphin model is available from $39,990 — that's less than what most EVs cost even after the Clean Car Discount (CCD) rebate just a few years ago.

While the upfront price of a car tends to dominate buyer decisions, EVs are clear winners when you look at their lifetime costs.

EVs cost significantly less to run than petrol or diesel equivalents, as electricity is cheaper than petrol on a per-kilometre basis. The average Kiwi motorist spends around $35 a week on petrol while EV users pay just $14 in electricity charges to drive the same distance. 

EVs also have fewer moving parts, which means lower maintenance and repair costs over time. No oil changes, fewer brake replacements, and less wear and tear overall.

Let’s consider a five-year comparison between a mid-range EV and a standard petrol vehicle:

The EV comes out more than $6,000 ahead over five years. And if you charge at home using solar power, the savings become even more compelling.

While this is good news for car buyers, it’s also good news for the planet and for energy security.

New Zealand relies heavily on imported fossil fuels to power its transport sector. Every EV on the road is a step toward cleaner air, quieter streets, and reduced carbon emissions. 

2025 is shaping up to be the year that EVs go mainstream. They’re cheap to buy, cheaper to run, and increasingly easier to access. With a wide range of models, Evnex’s great smart charging options, and growing public awareness—EVs are now the right decision for both pocket and planet.

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