We’ll come right out and say it -– at this stage, electric cars are more expensive to buy than petrol ones. You’ll make the savings in the long term, rather than right off the bat.
However, the upfront cost is definitely decreasing. And don’t forget about second-hand options, too. Here we’ve laid out some popular electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids in New Zealand, and what you’re looking at to buy them new and second-hand.
| Cost to buy new (latest model) |
$63,990 |
| Fully electric range | 270km |
| Secondhand cost (model dependent) |
From around $3,000 |
| Cost to buy new (latest model) |
From $56,990 |
| Fully electric range | 345km to 420km (standard & extended range) |
| Secondhand cost (model dependent) |
From around $43,000 |
| Cost to buy new (latest model) |
From $49,990 |
| Fully electric range | 340km to 427km (standard & extended range) |
| Secondhand cost (model dependent) |
N/A |
| Cost to buy new (latest model) |
$65,990 |
| Fully electric range | 311km |
| Secondhand cost (model dependent) |
From around $30,000 |
| Cost to buy new (latest model) |
From $69,990 |
| Fully electric range | 305 to 484 km (standard & extended range) |
| Secondhand cost (model dependent) |
From around $40,000 |
| Cost to buy new (latest model) |
From $79,990 |
| Fully electric range | 384 to 481 km (standard & extended range) |
| Secondhand cost (model dependent) |
From around $60,000 |
| Cost to buy new (latest model) |
From $79,990 |
| Fully electric range | 429 to 614 km (standard & extended range) |
| Secondhand cost (model dependent) |
From around $75,000 |
| Cost to buy new (latest model) |
From $79,990 |
| Fully electric range | 530km |
| Secondhand cost (model dependent) |
N/A |
| Cost to buy new (latest model) |
From $75,990 |
| Fully electric range | 60km |
| Secondhand cost (model dependent) |
N/A |
| Cost to buy new (latest model) |
From $118,900 |
| Fully electric range | 461km |
| Secondhand cost (model dependent) |
From around $79,990 |
| Cost to buy new (latest model) |
From $65,900 |
| Fully electric range | 513km to 629km (standard & extended range) |
| Secondhand cost (model dependent) |
From around $42,500 |
|
Cost to buy new |
From $67,990 |
| Fully electric range | 455km to 533km (standard & extended range) |
| Secondhand cost (model dependent) |
From around $61,990 |
|
Cost to buy new |
From $46,990 |
| Fully electric range | 350km |
| Secondhand cost (model dependent) |
From around $37,000 |
| Cost to buy new (latest model) |
N/A |
| Fully electric range | 160km |
| Secondhand cost (model dependent) |
From around $5,500 |
| Cost to buy new (latest model) |
From $52,990 |
| Fully electric range | 55km |
| Secondhand cost (model dependent) |
From around $46,490 |
Costs as at January 2024. New costs direct from the manufacturer. Second-hand costs using TradeMe Classifieds.
Charging an EV costs the equivalent of around $0.30/litre of petrol - which is where some pretty epic savings come in.
The Ministry of Transport reckons the average car in New Zealand travels around 11,500 kilometres per year. If that’s you, you’re looking at about $300* in annual charging costs on our EV Plan. It’s designed exclusively for EV drivers -– essentially, you get cheaper rates between 9pm and 7am so you can charge your EV overnight for less. Not only does this make charging your EV more affordable, but all other power usage during this time too. It’s our way of saying thanks for choosing to drive electric and helping take better care of our environment.
Find out more about our EV Plan
*Based on a 2015 Nissan Leaf.
Maintaining an electric vehicle is a whole lot easier when you don’t have a combustion engine to deal with. While a standard petrol vehicle has roughly 2,000 moving parts to keep oiled and serviced, a fully -electric vehicle has about 20. It doesn’t need oil and rarely needs servicing, so the main thing to consider is the potential cost of replacing your battery. It always pays to check what guarantees the manufacturer is offering on their batteries -– you might find you’re covered for up to 10 years.
While you’re paying more upfront for an electric vehicle, chances are you’ll be saving money from that point onwards. No petrol costs, currently no Road User Charges (until March 2024) and minimal maintenance costs all help make driving electric way easier on the wallet.
Including 50% off our standard day rates from 9pm to 7am, and price certainty for two years.^
*Ts&Cs, break fees and eligibility criteria apply. Credit valued at $35/month and only available on our EV Plan.
^Cheaper charging is calculated comparing the night vs day rates on Meridian’s EV plan. Savings vary by network
Thinking of making switch? We’ve got info on what they cost, why they’re great and heaps more to help you on your journey
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