If you are thinking about switching this year, it helps to start with the numbers, not the noise.

EVDBNZ, which tracks the electric vehicle market in New Zealand, says there are currently around 87,500 fully electric light vehicles, plus around 42,500 plug-in hybrids, and you can see the stats online at evdb.nz/ev-stats.

EVDBNZ reports that in 2025, Q1 and Q2 battery-electric sales were stronger than 2024.

While Q3 2025 was slightly weaker, with a significant increase in plug-in hybrid purchases and steady growth in hybrid vehicle purchases.

Image supplied by EVDB.nz

It also says electrified vehicles have maintained about a 45% market share since late 2024, plug-in hybrid purchases picked up from 2025, and diesel’s share remains unchanged.

Image supplied by EVDB.nz

James at EVDB puts it bluntly: “The NZ market has an astonishing number of EV models (and it’s only increasing).”

He argues the real contest is brand by brand, not the whole category, saying, “The question is not: Will EVs succeed or fail?

The question is: Will EVs from [specific car company] succeed or fail?”

He adds: “The technology is tried and tested and offers a very compelling alternative to fossil fueled vehicles.”

For Hibiscus Coast drivers, it is a useful starting point before you get deep into models, prices, and charging routines, and you can pop in, scan the trends, and get a feel for where the market is sitting.

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