Key Points
- The cheapest new EV in NZ is the GWM Ora, which is priced from $34,990.
- The cheapest compact-SUV style EVs cost from around $40,000.
- Second-hand EVs are plentiful and cheap, although be aware that used, older EV models will have degraded battery range.
Electric cars are getting cheaper. Prices start from around $35,000. But there are still not many options if you're looking to spend under $50,000.
Below we list the five electric cars models in New Zealand that have pricing starting below $50k.
Car model | Priced from | Range from |
GWM Ora | $34,990 | 310km |
BYD Dolphin | $39,990 | 340km |
MG 4 | $40,990 | 435km |
Omoda E5 | $40,990 | 430km |
Mini Cooper | $49,990 | 305km |
GWM Ora
From Price $34,990 | Range 310km-420km
The GWM Ora burst onto the NZ market a couple of years ago, and is easily the cheapest EV available.
The Ora is best suited to whizzing around the town, rather than long-haul trips. Its compact build and 360-degree camera make it ideal for getting in and out of tight spots and navigating city traffic. An extended range model (420kms) is also available for $39,990.
It has a five-star ANCAP rating, a seven-year unlimited km warranty and comes with five years of roadside assist.
MG 4
From $40,990 | Range 355-530km
There are five models in the range, and four of them are priced under $50k. The cheapest, the MG 4 Excite 51, features a range of up to 350km, while the more expensive Essence 64 ($49,990) can travel up to 435km between charges and packs in premium features, including voice control, and a sportier design.
The entire MG 4 range has won numerous awards and all vehicles have 5-star ANCAP ratings, and 10-year MG servicing warranties.
BYD Dolphin
From $39,990 | Range 340km-427km
Both Dolphin models are under $50k, the Essential is $39,990 and the Premium is $48,990. The main difference between the two is their battery sizes. The Premium has a larger battery unit, which boosts its range by almost 90km. The Premium also has twice the power: a 150kW motor, compared to the basic model's 70kW unit, which offers extra zip.
Other than the motor and battery, both models look similar, and offer all the luxury and tech features you'd expect from a Chinese EV in this price range, including keyless entry, heated front seats, a panoramic glass sunroof and electric tailgate.
Omoda E5
From $40,990 | Range 430km
Despite its price, the E5 is packed with features you'd expect in a far more expensive vehicle. It has the full suite of safety features, including driver monitoring, blindspot detection and traffic jam assist.
The dashboard has high-tech dual curved touchscreens, there's a Sony sound system, powered driver and front passenger seats, and you can even open and shut the windows via voice-control.
It also comes with a five-star ANCAP rating, an eight-year battery warranty and a seven-year unlimited km warranty.
Mini Cooper E
From $49,990 | Range up to 300km
The Mini Cooper E sneaks in just under our $50k cut-off point. The car's funky design, especially its interior, gives it a distinctly Mario Kart feel that is backed up by its 135kW of power, which shoves it to 100km/h in a fraction over seven seconds.
The Mini Cooper E's small size and two doors limit its use as a family wagon, but it's a great set of wheels for around town. And it's worth noting that the bigger four-door Mini Aceman is only a couple of grand more, starting at $51,990.
Are there any cheaper options?
Second-hand
If you're truly on a budget, sites such as Trade Me Motors are awash with second-hand EVs.
You can find a decade-old Nissan Leaf with 50,000km on the clock for as little as $7000, which could be a great option for a second-car runaround.
But bear in mind that an older EV will have reduced battery capacity, so won't achieve its original distance range.
Are EVs cheaper to run than petrol cars?
Even with the Road User Charges, EVs are cheaper to run that cars with conventional petrol engines. But once you factor in total costs, including government levies and electricity charges, the cost of driving an EV is not much different to driving a petrol hybrid.
