Following the Government’s announcement of the Clean Car Standard and Clean Car Discount, more New Zealanders than ever are considering ‘going green’ and taking advantage of the rebate by buying their first electrified vehicle.
These rebates are designed to make cleaner vehicles more attainable to New Zealanders.
The scheme offers the largest rebates $8,625 for new electric vehicles (EVs) under $80,000 that have at least a three-star safety rating.
Here are some new EVs which will be eligible for rebates from 1 July 2021.
Tesla Model 3 Standard Range from $69,990 (+ORC)
The Model 3 is Tesla’s smaller, simpler and, perhaps more importantly, most affordable car. It was designed and built as the world’s first mass-market electric vehicle.
There’s a lot to get excited about the Model 3, including a 15-inch central touchscreen which seamlessly integrates media, navigation, connectivity, cabin control and vehicle data into one intuitive interface.
Over-the-air software updates not only enhance functionality, they also improve performance and the driving experience of all Tesla vehicles.
The Model 3 Standard Range Plus has an impressive 448km of range WLTP, and can sprint from zero to 100km/h in just 5.6 seconds.
Read AA Motoring’s review of the Tesla Model 3 here.
Hyundai Kona Electric Series II from $69,990 (+ORC)
The Hyundai Kona EV has always been a popular choice for New Zealand buyers looking for an electric mid-sized SUV, and the latest Series II brings even more to the table.
The design has been refreshed, and now has a stronger and more modern look with an armour-like cladding over the wheel arches. The front has a new-look grille, along with new LED Daytime Running Lights.
Efficiency has also been enhanced due to the addition of Michelin Primacy4 low rolling resistance tyres, which help to deliver an improved in real-world driving range to 305km.
Safety-wise, it has also received a boost – there’s a lot more kit now included as standard, including Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist and Rear Occupant Alert.
Nissan Leaf from $61,990 (+ORC)
By far the most common electric car on our roads is the Nissan Leaf. The new model boasts its signature e-Powertrain and a 40kWh Battery, which equates to a range of 270km. Included are all the essentials like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which are operated via an eight-inch touchscreen display.
The cabin is well put together, including the seats which are finished in black leather with ultrasuede inserts. The car’s Intelligent Key with push button start makes getting in and driving that much easier, and the intuitive e-Pedal allows you to drive almost completely with just one foot.
As the battery is just 40kWh, charging can be done quickly. Using a 50kW Rapid Charger, the battery can be charged from 20% to 80% in just one hour.
MG ZS EV from $48,990 (+ORC)
The MG ZS EV is surprisingly well equipped, considering it’s the most affordable EV currently on offer in New Zealand. The driver’s seat is six-way electric adjustable, for instance, with heated seats for both front seat occupants. The seats are also furnished in synthetic leather that helps give off a feeling of luxury.
There is also an eight-inch multi-function touchscreen infotainment system that comes pre-loaded with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to keep you connected on the road, and your favourite playlists can be played through a six-speaker audio system.
The MG ZS EV feels quite roomy for its size, which is amplified further by a gorgeous panoramic sunroof which comes complete with a sunshade.
The EV can offer up to 263km between charges (and charge to 80% in around 45 minutes).
Read AA Motoring’s review of the MG ZS EV here.
Which other new EVs are available for less than $80,000?
There are a handful of other new EVs currently eligible for a rebate:
- MINI Electric Hatch from $60,400 (+ORC)
- Hyundai IONIQ EV from $65,990 (+ORC)
- BMW i3 from $78,700 (+ORC)
- Mazda MX-30 from $74,990 (+ORC)
- Renault ZOE from $65,990 (+ORC)
- Renault Kangoo EV Van from $74,990 (+ORC)
Don’t think an EV would suit your lifestyle? Try a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
It’s not just new EVs that will be eligible for a rebate, new PHEVs will also benefit too, with rebates of $5,750.
Here are some new PHEVs available to buy in NZ that fall under $80,000:
- Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV from $61,990 (+ORC)
- MINI Countryman Hybrid from $68,290 (+ORC)
- Toyota Prius Prime from $49,490 (TDP)
- Hyundai IONIQ PHEV from $53,990 (+ORC)
- Kia Sorento PHEV from $73,990 (+ORC)
- MG HS PHEV from $52,990 (+ORC)
- Kia Niro PHEV from $55,990 (+ORC)
- Mercedes-Benz A250e from $73,100 (+ORC)
- Ford Escape PHEV from $60,990 (+ORC)
- Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV from $49,990 (+ORC)
Is now a good time to go electric?
With interest rates low and generous rebates on offer, there has never been a more appealing time to make the switch to a new EV or PHEV.
We suspect many drivers who have been toying with the idea over the last 24 months might now take make the change following the Government’s recent announcement.
Visit rightcar.govt.nz for more information on the Clean Car Discount.
AA Preferred Dealer Network
Used EVs and PHEVs under $80,000 and with a three-star safety rating will also be eligible for rebates of $3,450 and $2,300 respectively, so head down to your nearest AA Preferred Dealer and see what they have for sale!
The AA Preferred Dealer Network is a select group of dealers which the AA has taken through a thorough review and selection process. The vehicles in their yards have been through a series of checks conducted by the AA, and offer a level of service which the AA back and trust.
AA Motoring intends to keep growing the AA Preferred Dealer Network to help motorists nationwide have extra confidence when choosing their next used car.
The majority of the vehicles on an AA Preferred Dealer Network yard will have been through the following AA checks:
- AA Odometer Verified window sticker (freshly imported vehicles)
- AA Entry Compliance
- AA Appraisal
The Network of dealers are currently found in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Mt Maunganui, Napier, Wellington and Christchurch.
Visit aa.co.nz/preferred or call us on 0800 500 333 for more information.
AA Money
If you would like a quote on a loan with a competitive interest rate and no ongoing account fees to purchase your new electric vehicle. Apply online at AA Money*.
AA Members receive a discounted establishment fee upon providing a valid AA Membership number at the time of application.