100% Electric (BEV)
Perfect for commuting and as city run-around cars
Range: 120 - 220kms depending on the model
Battery powered electric cars are charged by plugging into an electrical outlet. Planning and extra time is required when travelling long distances, but as rapid charging infrastructure improves across New Zealand this will become easier.
Fully electric cars available in New Zealand include: Nissan Leaf, Hyundai IONIQ (Full Electric), Renault Zoe, BMW i3 (Full Electric), Kia Soul EV, Tesla Model S and Model X, Mitsubishi i-Miev and VW e-Golf.
Fully electric vans: Nissan e-NZ200 and Renault Kangoo.
Plug in Hybrid (PHEV)
Good for long distance travel
Range: Similar to a petrol car
Plug in hybrid cars have both an electric and petrol motor, they can be plugged in to recharge or topped up with petrol. Plug in hybrid cars do have some drawbacks. They have a complicated engine requiring maintenance, petrol refuelling costs and contribute to air pollution.*
*Source: www.electricheaven.co.nz
Plug-in hybrids available in New Zealand include: Mitsubishi Outlander, Audi e-tron, BMW i3 (Plug-In Hybrid), BMW i8, Hyundai IONIQ (Plug-In Hybrid), Toyota Plug-in Prius and Volvo XC90 T8.