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Summary
- The cost of EVs is a problem for most car shoppers in NZ.
- Kiwis might go for used EVs but there certain things for them to look at before they make any purchase.
- Government has been looking at some schemes to make EVs more affordable.
The uptake of electric vehicles is slowly gaining momentum in New Zealand. They have gained popularity recently amid increased climate urgency worldwide but have been around for over 100 years. Nissan Leaf, Tesla Roadster, and Detroit Electric are some of the important entries into the NZ EV timeline.
EVs provide families lower gasoline prices, a healthier mindset, and a lower lifetime ownership cost with time. However, since modern EVs are so much more expensive than comparable ICE versions, the lifetime cost benefits have not yet been realised in many situations.
Used EVs gaining traction?
Some Kiwis might go for used EVs as purchasing new EVs goes out of budget for many customers. Here are certain points to look at if a Kiwi is buying a used EV.
Image Source: © Kalkine Group 2020
One thing to check is the distance that the particular EV can travel on every charge done.Taking a check on the mileage is an easy way to see the life that car has. Further, car batteries can get weary faster when they are plugged into fast chargers. Lithium ion batteries are widespread in this context. Hence, battery health check ups can be done while purchasing a used EV.
Another factor to look at is the resale value of EVs. The value that a car has depends on its condition like if there is a dent on its body. With less and limited km left to be driven, an EV’s value will be reduced. Additionally, the perceived value of an EV can also go up as the demand grows.
NZ government’s steps on encouraging EV use
The NZ government has plans to make EVs more affordable for Kiwis. The Climate Change Commission, in its draft carbon-cutting blueprint, has proposed a feebate (subsidy) to boost sales. The Government can provide straight subsidy and revive its feebate policy to cut the price of EVs by up to $8K and up to $2600 for an imported used EV. The policy was postponed after NZ First Ministers halted it.
Electric vehicle owners are exempt from paying road usage charges, saving them around $600 a year. The government has also additionally been assisting in the charging network across NZ via many grants.
