18 June 2026

AA Members' vehicle purchasing decisions views on electric vehicles, and electrification policies

Insights from AA Members on vehicle purchases, EVs, and the Clean Car Standard

How New Zealanders choose, use, and pay for their vehicles affects not just family budgets, but also our transport system, the environment, and the country as a whole.

While lower‑emissions vehicles are becoming more visible, most households still rely on petrol and diesel vehicles, and affordability and practicality remain key considerations for many people when purchasing a vehicle.

In January 2026, the AA surveyed its Members to understand the vehicles they currently use, how cost and safety shape purchasing decisions, and their views on electric vehicles and related government policies. This research was undertaken to provide evidence‑based insights into real‑world vehicle use and purchasing behaviour, and to inform discussion as the Government reviews the Clean Car Standard.

The findings highlight where lower‑emissions vehicles are gaining traction, where barriers remain, and how Members view policies designed to encourage change, offering an important perspective on how emissions reduction measures intersect with everyday travel needs.

The Vehicle Choices survey had a response rate of 53% (2,000 responses from the 3,763 AA Members invited), with a margin of error of ±2.2%.

Key findings

Factors shaping AA Members' choice of vehicles, views on electric vehicles, and electrification policies

What vehicles do AA Members currently use?

Most AA Members have access to at least one vehicle, with the majority owning two or more and relying primarily on petrol or diesel vehicles.

Nearly all (99%) of AA Members had at least one vehicle available for regular use in their household.

  • 4 out of 10 (39%) had one vehicle in their household.
  • 6 out of 10 (60%) had 2 or more vehicles.

Overall, vehicle ownership is high across AA Members, but varies significantly by location and fuel type, with rural households much more likely to rely on multiple vehicles.

  • AA Members living in rural areas were more likely to have two or more vehicles (75%), compared with 37% in central city areas.
  • Households with only petrol or diesel vehicles were more likely to have multiple vehicles than those with at least one EV or hybrid.

Petrol and diesel vehicles are the most common vehicles in AA Member households

Petrol and diesel vehicles account for the majority of vehicles available in households, with lower‑emissions vehicles less common by comparison.

  • Almost 9 in 10 households (86%) had a petrol vehicle available, and around 1 in 5 households (21%) had a diesel vehicle.
  • AA Members whose car cost less than $5000 were more likely to own a petrol vehicle (97%). AA Members in rural areas were more likely to own a diesel vehicle (42%).
  • Hybrid and electric vehicles were less widespread, with around 1 in 6 households (17%) having a non-plugin hybrid, 1 in 14 households (7%) having an electric vehicle, and 1 in 33 households (3%) having a plug‑in hybrid.
  • EV ownership is significantly higher for those on household incomes of $150,000 or more (14%).
  • AA Members aged 18-34 were more likely to own at least one non-plugin hybrid (27%). 

Around one in four households have a hybrid or electric vehicle, typically used alongside rather than instead of petrol or diesel vehicles.

While most households rely on petrol or diesel vehicles, a quarter of households have at least one hybrid or electric vehicle.

Lower‑emissions vehicles are most commonly used alongside petrol or diesel vehicles, rather than fully replacing them.

  • Around 1 in 4 households (25%) had at least one hybrid, plug‑in hybrid, or electric vehicle. Most of these households still owned petrol or diesel vehicles, with around 1 in 6 households (16%) having a mix of petrol or diesel and hybrid or electric vehicles, and around 1 in 11 households (9%) relying entirely on hybrid or electric vehicles.
  • 3 out of 4 (75%) of households had only petrol or diesel vehicles in their household.

Most AA Members drive lower- to mid-priced vehicles, with relatively few owning high-value vehicles, highlighting affordability as central to the fleet.

The price AA Members paid for their last vehicle span a wide range of price points, with a substantial share driving older or lower‑priced vehicles, highlighting affordability as an important part of the vehicle fleet mix.

  • Around 2 in 10 Members (21%) reported that the vehicle they use most often cost less than $10,000. Those who paid less than $5000 were more likely to be younger (18-34: 13%) or to live in a central city area (14%).
  • Around 6 out of 10 (56%) Members reported vehicle prices in the $10,000–$39,999 range, making this the most common price bracket for current vehicles.
  • Around 2 in 10 (21%) of Members reported driving vehicles costing $40,000 or more, indicating that higher‑priced vehicles are used by a minority of the fleet. Those who had paid $80,000 or more were more likely to live in households with four or more vehicles (7%, compared with an overall average of around 2%).

AA Members are divided in how they perceive their vehicle’s environmental impact, with most rating it as neutral rather than clearly low or high.

2 out of 10 (18%) of AA Members viewed their current vehicle as having a high environmental impact, and around a third (35%) viewed their vehicle as having a low impact. 41% thought their vehicle had a neutral impact on the environment.

  • Just over 3 in 10 AA Members (35%) rated their vehicle as having a low environmental impact. EV owners were significantly more likely to rate their vehicle as low impact(86%), as were owners of plug-in hybrids (74%), and non-plugin hybrid (55%),
  • Fewer than 2 out of 10 (18%) rated their vehicle as having a high environmental impact. This was more common among those who paid less for their vehicle (36% of those who paid under $5000 for their last vehicle)
  • Around 4 in 10 AA Members (41%) rated the environmental impact of the vehicle they use most often as neither low nor high. The groups most likely to think their vehicle had a neutral impact were those with only petrol or diesel vehicles in their household, and those who owned 4 or more vehicles. 

AA Members who see their vehicles as low impact focus on behaviour and maintenance, while those who see them as high impact focus more on fuel type, size, and emissions

When asked what AA Members took into consideration when rating their vehicle, we found that the groups’ focus differed by whether they thought their vehicle was low, high, or somewhere in between.  

  • Those who rated their vehicle as having a low environmental impact were more likely to take into account fuel type (56%), how often they drove (53%), and how well they maintained their vehicle (50%).
  • Fuel type was also the top consideration for those who consider their vehicle to have a high environmental impact, at 69%. This was followed by vehicle size or weight (40%), and exhaust emissions (39%).
  • In contrast, those who saw their vehicle having a neutral impact were more likely to consider how well they maintained their vehicle (61%) and how often they drove (60%), followed by the vehicle size or weight.

EV owners primarily charge at home when possible, with charging behaviour driven mainly by access to off-street parking

We asked electric vehicle owners (EV and plug-in hybrids) how they charge their vehicles. 

Overall, charging patterns among EV and plug‑in hybrid owners appear to be shaped primarily by housing type and access to off‑street parking, rather than by age or income alone.

  • Overall, just over half of EV and plug‑in hybrid owners (57%) reported using a standard household plug, while 45% had access to a dedicated home charger. Public charging was also commonly used, with 32% using a public fast charger and 16% using a public standard charger. A further 14% reported charging at a friend or family member’s home, while 4% used workplace charging. Only 1% relied on kerbside or on‑street charging.
  • Access to home charging varied strongly by housing and location. Members living in central city areas were less likely to have a dedicated home charger (around 27%) and far more likely to rely on public fast chargers (around 70%) compared with those living in suburban or rural areas, where dedicated home charging was much more common and public charging use was lower.
  • Parking access was the strongest driver of charging behaviour. Members with a private garage or driveway were far more likely to charge at home, particularly via a standard household plug or dedicated charger (around 45–60%), whereas Members living in apartments or without off‑street parking were much more reliant on public fast chargers (around 40–50%) and charging at friends’ or family members’ homes.
  • Differences by age and income were present but secondary. Younger and mid‑life Members were somewhat more likely to use public fast chargers, while older Members were more likely to rely on home charging. Higher‑income Members were more likely to have a dedicated home charger, while lower‑income Members were more reliant on standard plugs or public charging options.

How do AA Members choose what vehicle to buy next?

Around one-third of Members plan to buy a vehicle within two years, with higher-income and central city Members more likely to be in the market.

Around a third (31%) of AA Members intend to purchase a new vehicle in the next 2 years, with 17% intending to purchase in the next 6-12 months. 

  • AA Members on higher household incomes were more likely to be planning to buy a vehicle in the next two years, particularly those earning $150,000 or more per year (39%).
     Longer‑term purchase plans were also more common among mid‑life Members, especially those aged 35–44 (39%), and among Members living in central city areas (41%).
  • Of those planning to purchase a new vehicle, the majority expected to spend more on their next vehicle than on their current one.

Cost factors and safety ratings are the dominant drivers of vehicle choice, with environmental impact a low priority

When choosing a new vehicle, purchase price is the most common priority (63%), followed by running costs (45%) and safety ratings (41%).

  • Cost‑related factors dominate decision‑making. Nearly 6 in 10 AA Members (63%) selected purchase price as a top priority, while around 4 in 10 (45%) prioritised running costs such as fuel, maintenance, and insurance. Purchase price was particularly important for younger women, with around 7 in 10 females aged 18–34 prioritising price when choosing a vehicle, and 55% prioritising running costs.
  • Safety was also a key consideration, with around 4 in 10 Members (41%) identifying safety rating as a top priority. Safety was a higher priority for females (49%) than for males (31%).
  • Practical, everyday needs tend to matter more than features or environmental considerations. Around 4 in 10 Members (36%) prioritised size or space, and 3 in 10 (30%) prioritised fuel type when choosing a new vehicle. A smaller share focused on vehicle characteristics such as brand or model (around 2 in 10, 24%) and performance (around 2 in 10, 21%). Broader considerations were less commonly prioritised, with 1 in 10 Members (10%) selecting environmental impact and around 1 in 20 (5%) selecting technology or connectivity.

Most AA Members expect to spend more on their next vehicle than they did previously

Just over half (54%) of Members with plans to purchase a vehicle expected to pay more for their next vehicle, while 14% expected to pay less than they did for their current vehicle.

  • Those who expected to pay less were more likely to be young (21% of those aged 18-34) and to have household incomes between $50,000 and $100,000 (19%).

Most AA Members intend to buy a used vehicle next

AA Members who intended to buy a new vehicle were more likely to live rurally (27%) and to be aged 75 or over (36%)

Petrol remains the default choice, hybrids have broad appeal, and interest in EVs varies widely depending on income and location

We asked AA Members how likely they were to consider different fuel or power sources for their next vehicle.

We found that these had a different range of appeal, with petrol remaining the default option for many Members, diesel interest concentrated among rural and high‑vehicle households, hybrids showing relatively broad mainstream appeal. Electric vehicle interest varied substantially by household circumstances. 

  • Petrol remains the default choice for most AA Members, with just under 7 out of 10 (66%) being likely to consider a petrol vehicle for their next purchase.
  • Consideration of petrol vehicles was highest among those who already own at least one petrol vehicle (75%), as well as households that only use petrol or diesel vehicles (78%). Those with multiple vehicles were also more likely to consider petrol vehicles, with 72% of those with three vehicles and 84% who use four or more being likely to consider a petrol vehicle for their next vehicle. Those earning $150,000 per year were the most unlikely to consider a petrol vehicle as their next purchase (28% unlikely).
  • Around 2 out of 10 (18%) of AA Members would consider a diesel vehicle for their next purchase. Members in rural areas(36%) were more likely to consider a diesel vehicle, as were those with more vehicles; 29% with three or more vehicles, and 49% of those with four or more.  
  • Just over half of Members (52%) were likely to consider a non‑plug‑in hybrid for their next vehicle, while 28% were unlikely, suggesting hybrids appeal to a broad cross‑section of Members.
  • Interest in non-plugin hybrids was strongest among younger Members, particularly those aged 18–34 (67%), with likelihood declining across older age groups. Higher‑income Members were also more likely to consider a non‑plug‑in hybrid, including 62% of those earning $100,000–$150,000 and 57% of those earning $150,000 or more. Central city residents were also more likely to consider a non‑plug‑in hybrid (60%) than Members living in other areas.
  • Around 3 out of 10 AA Members ( 27%) were likely to consider an electric vehicle for their next purchase, while 55% were unlikely, indicating that EVs are not yet a realistic option for many Members.
  • Interest in EVs was highest among mid‑life Members, particularly those aged 35–44, (36%) and those aged 45–54 (34%). Consideration increased strongly with income, rising to 36% among those earning $100,001–$150,000 and to 44% among those earning $150,000 or more. Members living in central city areas were also more likely than average to consider an EV (42%). Those most unlikely to consider an EV were those earning $50,000 or less (58% unlikely). Members living in towns (66%) and rural areas (55%) were also unlikely to consider EVs.

What do AA Members think about electric vehicles?

Most AA Members have concerns about EV range and charging time, particularly for longer trips.

We wanted to understand the barriers and enablers to EV uptake.

Everyday practicality remains a key area of uncertainty for EV uptake, with strong concerns about range and charging convenience alongside clear differences by location, vehicle use, and existing exposure, indicating that EV suitability varies markedly depending on travel demands and household circumstances.

  • Concerns about range were widespread. Nearly 3 in 4 Members (73%) agreed that electric vehicles may not have sufficient range for longer trips, compared with just over 1 in 10 (11%) who disagreed.
  • AA Members who said EVs would meet their everyday driving needs were more likely to be midlife (53% of those aged 35-44 and those aged 45-54), and those who lived in central city areas (58%) or suburban areas (49%). Those most likely to say EVs would not meet their everyday driving needs were those in rural areas (44%), those with diesel vehicles (48%), and those with multiple vehicles (3 or more: 39%, 4 or more: 55%). 95% of AA Members who already owned an EV said it met their everyday needs, and 55% of those who drive non plug-in hybrids.
  • Charging convenience also emerged as an area of concern. Around 6 in 10 Members (61%) agreed that charging an electric vehicle takes too long compared with refuelling a petrol or diesel vehicle, while only around 1 in 10 (11%) disagreed.
  • Concerns about charging convenience was highest for males (66%). However, 4 out of 10 (41%) of households with electric or hybrid vehicles disagreed that charging time is a concern.
  • Views were mixed on whether electric vehicles would meet Members’ everyday driving needs. Around 4 in 10 Members (45%) agreed that an electric vehicle would meet their everyday driving needs, while 3 in 10 (30%) disagreed.
  • The highest concern was in groups who likely have to drive longer distances, with 58% of those in central city areas saying an electric vehicle would meet their driving needs.  44% of those in rural areas thought an electric vehicle would not meet their daily driving needs, as well as 37% of those living in towns. 

Upfront cost is widely seen as a major barrier to EV uptake, despite many recognising lower running costs

Cost and affordability remain key constraints on EV uptake, with most Members seeing upfront price as a barrier (67%) despite widespread recognition of lower running costs (54%), particularly among younger and urban Members. Price concerns remain strongest for lower‑income households.

  • The purchase price of EVs emerged as one of the areas that represents a barrier to uptake; 7 out of 10 (67%) agreed that the upfront cost of an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid is a barrier, and just 12% disagreed. Unsurprisingly, this concern was highest in households who earn $50,000 or less, at 74%. Those who were less likely to report purchase price as a barrier were more likely to be midlife (45-54 years; 18%)
  • Most Members recognised the lower running‑cost advantages of electric vehicles. Just under 5 in 10 Members (47%) agreed that electric vehicles generally cost less to run than petrol or diesel vehicles, compared with 13% who disagreed. Those who saw electric vehicles as costing less to run were likely to be younger (18-34 year; 65%) and to live in suburban (57%) or central city areas (58%). 

While many AA Members believe EVs are better for the environment, there is widespread concern about battery disposal

While just under half (47%) of AA Members believe electric vehicles are better for the environment than petrol or diesel vehicles, 82% are concerned about what happens to electric vehicle batteries at the end of their life. 

  • Nearly half (47%) of AA Members agreed that electric vehicles are better for the environment than petrol or diesel vehicles; a quarter disagreed. Agreement was highest in younger Members (58% of those aged 18-34), and those on higher incomes (54% of those on incomes $100,000 to $150,000, and 58% of those on $150,000 or more), as well as 55% of those in central city areas. Those in rural areas were the most sceptical about environmental impact, with 34% disagreeing.
  • Around 8 in 10 (82%) of Members agreed that they are concerned about what happens to electric vehicle batteries at the end of their life, with just 7% disagreeing. Females were more likely to be concerned (87%), as were older members (89% of those aged 65-74).

What do AA Members think about government policies to encourage more usage of electric vehicles?

Support for government policies encouraging EV uptake is mixed, with more Members supportive than opposed, with around a third being neutral

4 out of 10 (43%) of AA Members support government policies that encourage greater use of electric vehicles, while around 3 in 10 do not (27%).

Opinions are evenly split on whether it is fair to charge more for higher-emissions vehicles, reflecting differing personal circumstances

Views on charging higher prices for higher‑emissions vehicles were relatively evenly split, with 4 out of 10 believing it’s fair (40%), and 4 out of 10 disagreeing (43%).

Views appeared closely tied to Members’ immediate purchase circumstances and current vehicle reliance, rather than to emissions‑reduction goals in principle.

  • Overall, 4 out of 10 Members (40%) thought it was fair for higher‑emissions vehicles to cost more, while a similar proportion disagreed (43%). A further 17% said they did not know.
  • Opposition was strongest among Members facing near‑term purchasing decisions, with 57% of those planning to buy a vehicle within the next six months opposing higher prices for higher‑emissions vehicles.
  • Diesel drivers were also significantly more likely to oppose higher prices, with 62% disagreeing, reflecting greater sensitivity among those relying on higher‑emissions vehicles for everyday use.

A majority of Members support the Clean Car Standard in principle, with relatively low levels of opposition

We wanted to know how many AA Members support or oppose the Clean Car Standard as a way to lower carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles.  We found that over half (52%) support the Clean Car Standard in principle, and just 15% were opposed.

We found that support for the Clean Car Standard is strongest among Members who are already planning for higher vehicle costs, have fewer vehicles, or have experience with lower‑emission vehicles, while opposition is concentrated among those with greater vehicle dependence, recent high‑value purchases, or who live in rural and town areas.

  • AA Members who intended to purchase a vehicle within the next two years and expected to pay more than for their previous vehicle were more likely to support the Clean Car Standard as a way to reduce emissions (58% support). Support was also higher among single‑vehicle households, with 58% supporting the Standard.
  • Support was strongest among households that currently owned a hybrid or electric vehicle, where around 80% supported the Clean Car Standard. Older Members were also more supportive, with 59% of those aged 75 or over expressing support.
  • Opposition to the Clean Car Standard was more common among males and Members living in towns or rural areas (around 20% opposed in each case). Opposition also increased with household vehicle count, rising to 20% among those with three vehicles and 32% among those with four or more vehicles. Members who had paid $80,000 or more for their most recent vehicle were also more likely than average to oppose the Standard (26% opposed).

Predictable costs, affordability, and how policy revenue is used are more important for increasing support than emissions targets alone

  • The strongest factor overall was certainty, with 51% of Members saying their support would increase if the rules and compliance costs were clear and predictable. This factor was particularly important for older Members and higher‑income households, rising to 56% among those aged 65–74, 56% of those on incomes $100,000-$150,000, and 58% among households earning $150,001 or more. Members who already strongly support the Clean Car Standard placed especially high importance on predictability (69%), suggesting clarity reinforces existing support.
  • Affordability was the next dominant theme. Almost half (48%) of Members said their support would increase if the policy did not significantly increase the price of commonly purchased family vehicles and if popular vehicle types remain affordable and available (48%). These concerns were more pronounced among older Members, rural Members, and those in petrol‑ or diesel‑only households.
  • How money collected through the policy is used was also important, with 49% of Members saying their support would increase if funds were used to reduce vehicle costs for consumers or to support lower‑emissions vehicles. This was rated more highly by high‑income Members (57% of those earning between $100,000-$150,000, and 53% of those earning more than $150,000). It was also an important factors for those in households with electric or plug‑in hybrid vehicles, among whom support for this condition rose to 70%.
  • While still important, fewer Members (42%) said their support would increase if carbon dioxide emissions targets were practical and achievable given the vehicles available in New Zealand. This factor was less influential than cost‑related issues, particularly among younger Members and those in petrol‑ or diesel‑only households, but became more important with age, rising to 49% among those aged 75 and over.
  • Only a minority of Members (11%) said they would not support the Clean Car Standard under any circumstances, with this view more common among men (15%), rural Members (15%), and those who strongly oppose the policy in principle (56%).

About the AA Vehicle Choices Survey 2026

The Vehicle Choices Survey examined the vehicles AA Members use, how they make vehicle purchasing decisions, and their views on different fuel and energy types, including petrol, diesel, hybrids, and electric vehicles. It included detailed questions on electric vehicle practicality and affordability and information about how current electric vehicle owners charge them.

The survey also explored Members’ views on government policies to reduce vehicle emissions, including the Clean Car Standard.

In addition, the survey covered AA Members’ experiences and views on parking. This included where Members usually park at home, whether they have enough off‑street parking, how easy it is to find on‑street parking, how parking availability has changed over time, and how parking issues affect day‑to‑day travel and local area design. The results of this are covered in: Where are AA Members parking? Insights from the 2026 Vehicle Choices Survey. 

The survey had a response rate of 53% (n=2,000 of 3,763 AA Members invited), with a margin of error of ±2.2%.

Results have been weighted to reflect the AA Membership by age, gender, and AA district.

The findings of this survey will be used to identify issues that our 18 District Councils can raise with local road controlling authorities, as well as to inform our advocacy with Central Government.

AA Member survey results guide the AA’s position and advocacy when responding to potential changes by authorities and in promoting improvements to transport policy.

Alongside survey results, we also consider research evidence, our own policy analysis, and input from AA District Councils across New Zealand.

Media contact and further information

  • For media enquiries, please contact the AA Manager of Research, Safety & Communications Dylan Thomsen, +64 4 931 9991
  • For information about the survey or further results, get in touch with our team at membervoices@aa.co.nz.
  • Visit the AA Transport Surveys to find out more about the survey programme.