EV ownership to ‘dominate by 2035’

Electric vehicle (EV) ownership is tipped to surpass that of cars with internal combustion engines by 2035, according to a new consumer survey commissioned by the BMW Group New Zealand.

The study of 1,000 New Zealanders who hold a valid driver’s licence has found 53 per cent of them would consider purchasing an EV in the future.

It also revealed that while 70 per cent believe they will own a conventionally powered vehicle in 2025, only 11 per cent expect to do so in 2040. 

Nearly four in every five – or 78 per cent – of respondents said they were aware of the government’s clean car discount.  As a result, 47 per cent of this cohort said they were more inclined to consider purchasing an electric or hybrid vehicle. 

The rebates were most likely to encourage those aged 25 to 34 years old to purchase an EV, with 61 per cent of this age group giving a positive response.

Other key findings from the survey include 57 per cent of Kiwis believing that EVs are the way of the future, nine per cent already drive an EV or hybrid, and 61 per cent agree those who purchase EVs are “early adopters”.

Running out of charge due to a lack of nearby infrastructure was cited as a concern by 73 per cent.

Nearly half – or 47 per cent – of those who regularly drive an EV agreed with that sentiment, this was despite 36 per cent claiming they only required 30km or less mileage for their daily driving.

Only 46 per cent of respondents knew the location of the nearest charging station to their home, and just 27 per cent for the closest facility to their workplace. 

The price of EVs emerged as the primary reason for choosing not to buy such a car and a lack of knowledge about such vehjcles also played a significant role in the decision-making process. 

The survey was conducted on behalf of the BMW Group by insights agency Hall & Partners in August 2023.