More models set to electrify the car market this year

In January, I foretold which new EVs might make their way on to the New Zealand market during 2022. As we are now halfway through the year and there have been many market announcements, it’s review time.

At the end of 2021, we were closing in on 40,000 EVs on the road. The previous year (2020) it was 24,000 so that’s a more than 60 per cent increase year-on-year. At the end of June, we reached over 50,000 EVs on our roads, new and used. If we include hybrids, we have around 180,000 vehicles with some form of electric motor on board.

The acceleration in pure EV uptake is a little slower than predicted, due to the well publicised chip shortages and supply chain issues generally. That said, the monthly percentage of BEVs and PHEVs has risen from a minuscule percentage to 20 per cent of vehicle sales in the past few months. This was unthinkable even 18 months ago. 

The hockey stick growth curve will only continue as more car manufacturers permanently switch production to electric. With Australia joining the EV party, it will help us access more models and volume. 

The Drive Electric website suggests there are around 70 new EV models available in New Zealand now, with up to 120 forecast to be arriving soon. With that growth, I’ve decided to consider what the new EV passenger car landscape might look like over the remainder of 2022 here in New Zealand. One caveat, however; this is my own reading of the tea leaves, and this is only a selection of what’s happening in the market.

Audi – It seems new e-tron models will be here early in 2023. In September 2022 expect the start of a presell for the Audi PHEV family comprising A3, Q3, Q5, Q7 and Q8 models, all for 2023 delivery. At the same time orders for the new Q4 e-tron EV, due in 2023, will also begin.

BYD – The Chinese EV maker has appointed Ateco Group as distributor. This is good news and will lead to a number of new models being launched in the near future, with the first being the ATTO 3 arriving in the next few months. It should be priced around the $53,000 mark.

Citroen – The new Citroen C5 PHEV, a small SUV, will arrive in the next few months.

Ford – The global giant confirmed the addition of the E-Transit cargo (BEV) which is arriving in Q4. It will join the existing PHEV Escape and Transit Custom. And now Mach-E is coming in 2023.

Hyundai – The Ioniq brand is selling well here, as is Kona. Hyundai will launch PHEV versions of both Tucson and Santa Fe models later this year. 

Kia – The EV6 spearheads a new range of EVs from this brand, and the new Niro is due here soon. Expect to see this and more as the sister company to Hyundai shares more platforms and launches more new models in NZ.

Land Rover – There are already Range Rover Evoque and Velar PHEV models in the market, and when the new Range Rover models launch in the fourth quarter expect PHEV and electric variants.

LDV – These guys are really pushing hard in the NZ market. With electric vans already here and an all-new electric ute just announced (priced at $79,990), LDV is looking to achieve increased sales and market share. The ute attracts the full Clean Car discount, just what our tradies and farmers were wanting.

Mercedes-Benz– Mercedes AMG recently launched the top of the range EQS 53, and is expected to launch the EQB in Q3, so it must be close!

MG– The latest anticipated arrival date for the revised MG ZS EV is October  which will further add to MG’s success as will the MG4 in 2023.

Opel – Auto Distributors Ltd will be relaunching the German brand Opel in the second half of the year, kicking off with the Opel e-Corsa BEV and Opel e-Mokka BEV.

Peugeot – This is another brand that is talking up electric models. A number of new variants are now in the market or close to arriving, including the e-208GT, e-2008 SUV and 3008 hybrid 4 with EV Mode. All are well priced and worth a look. Additionally you can expect their first commercial BEV soon, the e-Partner van.

Polestar – The Polestar 2 has sold extremely well here and other new models are expected to arrive later this year. The Polestar 3 SUV could be a star with more details expected to be announced around October 2022.

Skoda – Skoda is starting to pre-sell the Enyak SUV EV, for 2023 delivery.

Tesla – With the Model Y now here I expect Tesla to remain the biggest selling EV brand in New Zealand. The entry Model Y will collect the Clean Car rebate so it will be interesting to see what happens to Model 3 sales.

Volvo – Volvo NZ is excited that the XC40 Recharge and C40 will be in the market around year end.

VW – The German recently announced a major offensive for 2023. This will include the ID.4, ID.5 and Buzz models with orders taken in September for 2023 delivery. These will sell out quickly so best to register your interest sooner rather than later!