Electric cars and hybrids are common on our roads. However, over the past two years EV sales have hit the skids.
Between 2022 and 2023, pure EV models increased their market share from 10% to 14.5%. However, it's clear the end of the EV subsidies has had a big effect. While hybrid sales remain strong, new EV numbers have plummeted over the past two years. Just 7% of vehicles sold last year were EVs.
Plug-in hybrids, which are now subject to road user charges, are also out of favour. Just 4658 plug-in hybrids were registered in NZ last year, compared to 37,593 hybrid petrol cars, a figure that almost matches the number of new pure petrol vehicles on our roads (38,903).
Sales by Engine Type 2025 |
|---|
40% Petrol |
38% Petrol Hybrid |
8% Diesel |
7% EV |
5% Plug-in Hybrid |
2% Diesel Hybrid |
Source: NZTA
Top selling EV models
As we mention above, EV sales have dropped considerably over the past couple of years:
- 2023: 21,032 EVs
- 2024: 6341 EVs
- 2025: 6871 EVs
However, despite many new models hitting the market, Tesla remained the country's most popular EV.
After a sluggish start to the year, Tesla hit the top of the EV charts thanks to the popularity of its new and improved Model Y.
Over 2025, 1284 of the new-look Model Ys were registered. Combined with the 308 Model 3s that arrived in the country, it gave Tesla a 23% share of the EV market, beating BYD's 17% share.
And it's worth noting that BYD had four passenger car models – the Atto 3, Dolphin, Seal and Sealion – to Tesla’s two: Model 3 and Model Y.
Rank | Top Selling EVs 2024 | Top Selling EVs 2025 |
|---|---|---|
1 | Tesla Model Y (826) | Tesla Model Y (1284) |
2 | Tesla Model 3 (461) | BYD Atto 3 (555) |
3 | Ford Mustang Mach-E (452) | Polestar 2 (354) |
4 | BYD Atto 3 (383) | BYD Sealion 7 (337) |
5 | Nissan Leaf (308) | Tesla Model 3 (308) |
6 | Volkswagen ID.4 (275) | Kia EV5 (276) |
7 | MG4 (256) | Kia EV3 (255) |
8 | Volkswagen ID.5 (232) | BYD Dolphin (221) |
9 | Kia EV9 (197) | Toyota BZ4X (192) |
10 | Polestar 2 (188) | BMW i (176) |
11 | Hyundai Ioniq 5 (174) | Honda e:N1 (171) |
12 | BYD Dolphin (173) | Mini Countryman (151) |
13 | BMW X1 (144) | Omoda E5 (128) |
14 | Skoda Enyaq (138) | Geely EX5 | Mini Aceman (111) |
15 | BYD Seal (129) | Volvo EX30 (109) |
Source: NZTA
Most popular EVs in New Zealand
Below is a brief overview of the top five most popular EVs in NZ. Prices do not include on-road costs or specials and should be used as a guide only:
Tesla Model Y (from $67,900)
The new Model Y comes in three versions (range | top speed | 0-100km):
- Rear-wheel drive: 466km | 201km/h | 5.9s
- Long-range AWD: 600km | 201km/h | 4.8s
- Long-range performance AWD: 580km | 250km/h | 3.5s
Model Ys come with an eight-year battery and drive unit warranty, or 160,000km, whichever comes first, plus a four-year/80,000km basic warranty.
BYD Atto 3 (from $49,990)
The Atto 3 comes in two models (range | 0-100km):
- Essential: 345km | 7.9s
- Superior: 420km | 7.3s
Atto 3s come with an eight-year battery and drive unit warranty, or 160,000km, whichever comes first, plus a six-year basic warranty, plus eight years of roadside assistance.
Polestar 2 (from $74,900)
The Polestar 2 comes in four models, and AWD or rear-wheel drive options (range | 0-100km):
- Standard range single motor: 554km | 6.4s
- Long-range single motor: 659km | 6.2s
- Long-range dual motor: 568km | 4.5s
- Long-range dual motor with performance pack: 591km | 4.2s
Polestar 2s come with an eight-year battery and drive unit warranty, or 160,000km, whichever comes first, plus a three-year basic warranty.
BYD Sealion 7 (from $67,990)
There are two BYD Sealion 7 models (range | 0-100km):
- Real-wheel drive: 482km | 6.7s
- AWD: 456km | 4.5s
Sealion 7s come with an eight-year battery and drive unit warranty, or 160,000km, whichever comes first, plus a six-year basic warranty, plus eight years of roadside assistance.
Tesla Model 3 (from $63,900)
The Model 3 comes in three versions (range | top speed | 0-100km):
- Rear-wheel drive: 520km | 201km/h | 6.1s
- Long-range rear-wheel drive: 750km |201km/h | 5.2s
- Performance AWD: 571km | 261km/h | 3.1s
Model 3s come with an eight-year battery and drive unit warranty, or 192,000km, whichever comes first, plus a four-year/80,000km basic warranty.
Compare car insurance with Canstar
