EV owners happy with switch

Nearly all EV owners in New Zealand appear satisfied with switching to a low or zero-emissions model after a new survey revealed 96 per cent of them would happily buy another electric car.

The finding is part of Consumer NZ’s latest car reliability and satisfaction survey, which questioned 5,791 members and supporters in November and December 2025.

Petrol vehicles still dominate the fleet, accounting for 59 per cent of cars owned by New Zealanders, but its make-up is changing. 

Consumer NZ notes the share of EVs and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) has grown from 12% in 2023 to 17% in 2025. Hybrid ownership has also risen, increasing from 10% to 15% over the same period.

Jon Duffy, Consumer NZ chief executive, says: “This indicates a gradual but growing shift towards going electric on our roads.

“Our survey canvassed car owner experiences, providing insights into preferred engines, brand performance, reliability and overall owner satisfaction.”

The study found more than half of EV owners moved away from internal combustion engine (ICE) cars in anticipation of lower operating costs, and 81 per cent of EV owners say they now spend less running a vehicle than previously. 

Environmental considerations were also a key factor in the decision to purchase an EV.

However, Consumer NZ notes that despite 56 per cent of EV owners wanting to save money, 29 per cent kept the same power plan after buying a vehicle with a plug, even though they would be using more energy.

“This highlights the importance of heading to Powerswitch to find the best deal for your energy needs,” says Duffy. “There are significant savings to be made on power by shopping around.”