New vehicle registrations in New Zealand rose 25.2 per cent in March to 14,908 units, driven by a sharp increase in electric vehicle uptake. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 16.2 per cent of total registrations, up from 5.4 per cent a year earlier, marking a significant shift in the country’s vehicle mix.
Aimee Wiley, chief executive of the Motor Industry Association, said rising fuel costs are influencing buyer behaviour.
“Demand for electric vehicles has increased rapidly, as rising fuel costs are influencing purchasing decisions across the market,” Wiley said.
Growth supported across all segments
The March result contributed to year-to-date registrations of 36,857 units, up 13.3 per cent compared to the same period in 2025.
Light passenger vehicles led the market with 10,061 registrations, up 19.5 per cent year-on-year. Within this segment, BEVs made up 22.6 per cent of sales, while hybrids and plug-in hybrids also maintained strong shares.
The Tesla Model Y was the top-selling EV with 480 units, followed by newer entrants including the Dongfeng Box and models from BYD.
Strong demand has begun to outpace supply, with available stock tightening across parts of the market.
“New Zealand is a long lead-time market, and supply pipelines were set against more subdued demand, so available stock has been drawn down quickly,” Wiley said.
Business demand drives market
Business buyers accounted for 58.5 per cent of March registrations, up from 55.6 per cent a year earlier, reflecting increased fleet activity.
The light commercial segment recorded 4,319 registrations, up 40.2 per cent year-on-year, led by the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.
Heavy commercial vehicle registrations also increased, rising 28.8 per cent to 528 units, with electric models making up a small but growing share of the segment.
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