Electrified vehicles are a hot topic in New Zealand, thanks to rising fuel prices, increasing climate change awareness and a Government Clean Car Importer Standard that still requires importers to bring in lots of hybrid and electric vehicles.
DRIVEN Car Guide is here to help, with a complete guide to every electrified vehicle on sale in NZ. We've covered hybrids and plug-in hybrids elsewhere, but here we deliver the need-to-know information on every Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) currently available, arranged from lowest to highest price.
GWM ORA
GWM launched a whole new BEV brand in NZ with Ora. The first model is a five-door family car with quirky retro-futuristic styling; you might know it from overseas markets/media as the Ora Good Cat, but for NZ it's just "GWM Ora".
Ora comes in four different guises, with a choice of two battery sizes. And it's still the cheapest new BEV you can buy.
There's even a sporty GT version, that's dress-up with different bumpers and wheels; no more power, but the electric motor is recalibrated to make it feel much more lively.
Price $34,990-$45,990 Powertrain 48kWh or 63kWh battery, single electric motor, single-speed transmission, FWD Power/torque 126kW/250Nm Range 310km-420km (WLTP)
MG4
The MG4 represents a whole new generation of BEV technology for the brand, including the new Modular Scalable Platform (MSP) and rear-drive.
The Excite specification is available with 51kWh or 64kWh batteries, while the higher-specification Essence versions come with a choice of 64kWh or 77kWh. The long(est)-range 77kWh offers an impressive 530km between charges, while the range is topped by the incredibly fast XPower model: 0-100km/h in 3.8sec!
The MG4 was of course the AA DRIVEN NZ Car of the Year for 2023.
Price $39,990-$59,990 Powertrain 51kWh, 64kWh or 77kWh battery, single or dual electric motors, single-speed transmission, RWD or AWD Power/torque 125kW/250Nm, 150kW/250Nm or 300kW/600Nm Range 435-530km
MG ZS EV
Burgeoning Chinese brand MG was already set to make a big impression in NZ, but the (now-defunct) Government's Clean Car Discount propelled the ZS EV to stardom.
MG NZ is rolling out an all-new ZS lineup, with petrol and Hybrid+ versions on offer. But the previous-gen EV remains on sale for the time being.
Price $40,990-$55,990 Powertrain 51kWh or 72kWh battery, single electric motor, single-speed transmission, FWD Power/torque 130kW/353Nm Range 320km-440km (WLTP)
OMODA E5
The Omoda brand comes from Chinese carmaking giant Chery. It has launched with a compact SUV called C5 in its petrol forms and, as featured here, E5 with an all-electric powertrain.
The E5 comes in two specifications, the entry BX and top EX. Plenty of tech, but sharp pricing is Omoda's calling card.
Price $40,990-$44,990 Powertrain 64kWh battery, single electric motor, single-speed transmission, FWD Power/torque 150kW/340Nm Range 430km
BYD DOLPHIN
Chinese brand BYD took the New Zealand market by storm with the Atto 3. Its smaller sibling, the Dolphin city hatch is one of NZ's cheapest pure-electric cars.
The basic standard-range model ducks under $50k but for another $6k you get another 80km between charges and quite a lot more performance, with a more powerful electric motor.
Price $43,990-$48,990 Powertrain 45kWh or 60kWh battery, single electric motor, single-speed transmission, FWD Power/torque 70kW/180Nm or 150kW/310Nm Range 340km-427km (WLTP)
Read DRIVEN Car Guide's review of the BYD Dolphin long range
MINI COOPER
The Cooper 3dr hatch was the first model to bring pure-electric power to the Mini lineup - and now there's an all-new model, which sits alongside the new-gen ICE range.
It's now a three-tier affair, with the entry Cooper E (135kW) and the higher-performance Cooper SE (160kW) joined by the 190kW JCW hot hatch.
Price $49,990-$72,990 Powertrain 41kWh or 54kWh battery, single electric motor, single-speed transmission, FWD Power/torque 135kW/290Nm or 160kW/330Nm Range 305-402km 0-100km/h 6.7-7.3 seconds
GEELY EX5
Chinese giant Geely controls some big-name brands: Volvo, Polestar, Lotus. But the mainstream EX5 is the first new-generation Geely-branded vehicle to be sold in NZ - not counting a soft launch here around 15 years ago, which is several lifetimes in car terms.
The EX5 is a thoroughly modern medium-SUV packed with high-tech features, at a price that's on parity with many petrol rivals. It comes in two versions, Complete and Inspire.
Price $51,990-$55,990 Powertrain 60kWh battery, single electric motor, single-speed transmission, FWD Power/torque 160kW/320Nm Range 410-430km
MINI ACEMAN
Aceman is notable for being the first Mini designed from the ground up as a pure-electric vehicle. It's a supermini-sized 5-door hatch that fits in between the Cooper 3dr and Countryman SUV.
The entry Aceman E is aimed at "city dwellers" says Mini, with a smaller battery and less power. The top SE "packs a big punch" with a larger power pack and an extra 25kW.
Price $51,990-$69,990 Powertrain 43kWh or 54kWh battery, single electric motor, single-speed transmission, FWD Power/torque 135kW/290Nm, 160kW/330Nm or 336kW/639Nm Range 406km
LEAPMOTOR C10
Leapmotor is a Chinese startup (only a decade old) that's now in partnership with automotive giant Stellantis (Peugeot, Jeep) to take its cars to export markets.
C10 is the first, a handsome SUV that's somwehere between medium and large in size: it's offered here in just one luxurious Design specification, with rear-drive and a 160kW motor.
Price $54,990 Powertrain 69.9kWh battery, single electric motor, single-speed transmission, RWD Power/torque 160kW/320Nm Range 420km (WLTP)
KIA EV3
The EV3 is Kia's new city EV-SUV - and a replacement for the Niro EV, which continues in hybrid and plug-in hybrid forms. Conveniently, EV3 pricings starts at a very similar level to the previous pure-electric Niro.
That's for the entry-level version with a modest 58kWh battery, but the rest of the range picks up a larger 81kWh that gives a very impressive 600km-plus on a full charge in the most efficient version.
Price $55,520-$75,220 Powertrain 58kWh or 81kWh battery, single electric motor, single-speed transmission, FWD Power/torque 150kW/283Nm Range 436-605km
BYD ATTO 3
The Atto 3 is a small-medium SUV that packs a substantial technology punch thanks to BYD's proprietary Blade battery technology, which is claims is the safest in the world, and features like a rotating infotainment screen, embedded SIM card for live updates/remote control and a V2L adaptor included with the car (which allows the user to charge external devices from the vehicle).
One of the most interesting/polarising features of the Atto 3 is its highly stylised interior, which has elements designed to look like a gym.
Price $57,990 Powertrain 60kWh battery, single electric motor, single-speed transmission, FWD Power/torque 150kW/310Nm Range 420km (WLTP) 0-100km/h 7.3 seconds
Read DRIVEN's review of the BYD Atto 3
TOYOTA bZ4X
It's been a long time coming, but the bZ4X is the first pure-electric vehicle ever sold by Toyota NZ: the "bZ" stands for beyond zero, signifying a new generation of BEVs for the brand.
The bZ4X is closely related to the Subaru Solterra, but opens at a lower price thanks to the availability of an entry-level front-drive version. The Pure FWD has a 150kW motor, while the Motion AWD is fitted with twin 80kW motors to make 160kW.
Price $57,990-$66,990 Powertrain 71kWh battery, single or dual electric motors, single-speed transmission, FWD or AWD Power/torque 150kW/265Nm or 160kW/338Nm Range 470-516km
FIAT/ABARTH 500e
It looks familiar, but the pure-electric Fiat 500e is an all-new generation of Fiat's small car, sharing nothing with the previous petrol models (which are still on sale).
The 500e is 61mm longer and 56mm wider than the petrol model, meaning slightly more interior space - although it's still ultra-compact.
The maker would no doubt argue the Abarth version is a whole separate model (it's not branded a Fiat at all), but it's built upon the same base.
Price $59,990-$74,990 Powertrain 42kWh battery, single electric motor, single-speed transmission, FWD Power/torque 87kW/220Nm or 113kW/235 Range 253-320km (WLTP)
NISSAN ARIYA
It took a long time to get here, but Ariya is still a standout model for Nissan: a futuristic-looking SUV that represents a whole new generation of EV technology from the maker of the groundbreaking Leaf.
Nissan NZ is still holding its special launch-pricing for Ariya from last year, so it still starts under $60k. The entry Engage and Advance models are FWD, while the flagship Evolve is dual-motor AWD.
Price $59,990-$89,990 Powertrain 63kWh or 87kWh battery, single or dual electric motors, single-speed transmission, FWD or AWD Power/torque 160kW/300Nm or 290kW/600Nm Range 398-497km (WLTP)
BYD SEAL
The Seal sedan is part of the Ocean Series and a bigger brother to the Dolphin hatchback. It's also a close relation to the new Sealion 7 crossover-SUV.
Seal opens with the RWD Dynamic, but the majority of the lineup is AWD and the hero model is... very heroic indeed: the Performance, with 0-100km/h in 3.8sec (which is written on the bootlid!).
Price $61,990-$81,990 Powertrain 61kWh or 82kWh battery, single or dual electric motors, single-speed transmission, RWD or AWD Power/torque 150kW/310Nm, 230kW/360Nm or 390kW/670Nm Range 460-570km 0-100km/h 7.5-3.8 seconds
Read DRIVEN Car Guide's review of the BYD Seal Performance
TESLA MODEL 3
The Model 3 has become a hero car for Tesla in NZ - and a hero car for the BEV cause globally. It's the world's biggest-selling pure-electric vehicle.
As a company, Tesla likes to do things differently. It doesn't like to talk about battery capacities and power outputs, but it loves to highlight range and acceleration figures. Unsurprisingly, these are two areas where the Model 3 is a standout.
A revised Model 3 has just been launched, showcasing new exterior and interior design. Just in RWD and AWD long range versions for now - with the super-fast Performance yet to be announced.
Price $63,900-$84,900 Powertrain 50kWh or 75kWh battery, single or dual electric motors, single-speed transmission, RWD or AWD Power/torque 150kW/350Nm, 258kW/527Nm or 336kW/639Nm Range 513-629km
VOLVO EX30
It's small, but the EX30 is a big deal for Volvo. It's the most eco-friendly car the brad has ever made (the company says this car's lifetime carbon footprint is half that of an XC40), but it's also the fastest: the top dual-motor version can sprint to 100km/h in just 3.6sec.
It looks quite sporty too, but Volvo has also done a great job of working overtly recycled materials into the cabin design.
Price $63,990-$69,990 Powertrain 69kWh battery, single or dual electric motors, single-speed transmission, RWD or AWD Power/torque 200kW/343Nm or 315kW/543 Range 450km-476km (WLTP) 0-100km/h 3.6-5.3 seconds
SMART #1/#3
New-gen Smart is a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz (owner of the "old" Smart) and Chinese maker Geely. Its first two models are the #1 SUV and #3 coupe-SUV: different styling, but exactly the same platform and tech (which is why we're dealing with them as the same thing).
So two different body styles, but also two different model lines for each hashtag: standard RWD and the outrageously fast Brabus versions, which can rip to 100km/h in less than 4 seconds.
Price $64,900-$84,990 Powertrain 66kWh battery, single or dual electric motors, single-speed transmission, RWD or AWD Power/torque 200kW/343Nm or 315kW/543Nm Range 420-455km
BYD SEALION 7
From the outside, the Sealion 7 is simply a sportier SUV-coupe-style alternative to the Sealion 6 family model. But dig a little deeper and it's closer to a high-riding version of the Seal sedan - because it's pure-electric, unlike the plug-in hybrid Sealion 6.
Confusing? No need to think about it. Instead focus on the 7's aggressive pricing and the performance potential of the top dual-motor model.
Price $67,990-$79,990 Powertrain 83kWh battery, single or dual electric motors, single-speed transmission, RWD Power/torque 230kW/380Nm or 390kW/690Nm Range 456-482km
KGM TORRES EVX
The Korean brand formerly known as SsangYong is now KGM, and the first model under the new name (not the new badge, because that's stayed the same) is the Torres.
It's available as a petrol vehicle too, but the pure-electric EVX is a standout, featuring sleek styling, lots of equipment and a powertrain featuring BYD's Blade battery technology.
Price $67,990 Powertrain 74kWh battery, single electric motor, single-speed transmission, FWD Power/torque 152kW/339Nm Range 462km (WLTP)
KIA EV5
Kia has "EV"-branded models everywhere, but the EV5 is particularly important: it's the Korean maker's entry into the Kiwi heartland of medium SUVs.
The lineup covers a lot of ground, from FWD to AWD, Light, Earth and GT-Line specifications. But all get the same big 88.1kWh battery.
Price $67,990-$85,450 Powertrain 88.1kWh battery, single or dual electric motors, single-speed transmission, RWD or AWD Power/torque 160kW/310Nm or 230kW/480Nm Range 470-555km
TESLA MODEL Y
The new Model Y is now available, with Tesla's crossover-cum-people mover catching up to its Model 3 sibling on design and technology.
The new model still opens with RWD, or for an extra $10k you can have the long-range AWD. There's no range-topping Performance model... yet.
Price $67,990-$77,990 Powertrain Single or dual electric motors, single-speed transmission, RWD or AWD Range 466-551km (WLTP)
JEEP AVENGER
Don't be distracted by the heritage name (if you're old enough to remember Hillman!): Avenger is Jeep's first pure-electric vehicle, a compact SUV based on the same Stellantis platform as the Opel Mokka-e and Peugeot e-2008.
But Jeep has put plenty of its own design flavour into Avenger, with its signature 7-slot grille and trapezoidal wheelarches.
Price $69,990 Powertrain 51kWh battery, single electric motor, single-speed transmission, FWD Power/torque 115kW/260Nm Range 400km (WLTP)
FORD MUSTANG MACH-E
Don't imagine the Mustang coupe has turned into an SUV - imagine an SUV has turned into a Mustang. That's the message from Ford about its Mustang Mach-E SUV.
All models are pretty sporty, but the top Mach-E GT AWD is the fastest Mustang you can buy, with 0-100km/h in 3.7 seconds. It also features high-tech MagneRide adaptive suspension, performance tyres and an additional Untamed drive mode for track use.
Price $74,990-$116,990 Powertrain 76kWh or 99kWh battery, single or dual electric motors, single-speed transmission, FWD or AWD Power/torque 198kW/430Nm or 258kW/560Nm Range 440-550km
MINI COUNTRYMAN
Previously available as a plug-in hybrid, the all-new Countryman EV has shifted to pure-electric power (conventional ICE models also continue).
It comes in two models, both with the same 64kWh battery: the front-drive single-motor E and the dual-motor SE All4, which ups the performance significantly.
Price $74,990-$80,990 Powertrain 64kWh battery, single or dual electric motors, single-speed transmission, FWD or AWD Power/torque 150kW/250Nm or 230kW/338Nm Range 432-462km 0-100km/h 5.6-8.6sec
LEXUS UX 300e
The UX300e is the first-ever BEV from Lexus. Essentially a conversion of the existing UX250h hybrid, it's actually also the fastest UX you can buy. Compared with the hybrid models it has a strengthened steering rack, unique suspension tune, acoustic glass, underfloor covers and wheelarch liners to shut out unwanted road noise.
The UX300e was launched with a fairly modest 54kWh battery (range 315km), but it's now been upgraded to 73kWh. The infotainment screen has been upgraded to a 12.3in unit and there are additional safety features, including Intersection Turn Assist, Emergency Steering Assist and a Curve Speed Reduction function for the adaptive cruise.
Price $79,900-$89,990 Powertrain 73kWh battery, single electric motor, single-speed transmission, FWD Power/torque 150kW/300Nm Range 560km (WLTP)
SUBARU SOLTERRA
Solterra is Subaru's first pure-electric vehicle and a sister model to the Toyota bZ4X. The key difference for Kiwi buyers is that Subaru NZ is sticking with its AWD ethos and only offering Solterra in twin-motor AWD versions.
The basic specifications are the same as the Toyota: twin 80kW motors for 160kW total. The car features an X-Mode (same as models like Forester and Outback) for off-tarmac driving. The Solterra name is a portmanteau of Latin words for sun and earth.
Price $79,990-$84,990 Powertrain 71kWh battery, dual electric motors, single-speed transmission, AWD Power/torque 160kW/338Nm Range 414-465km
VOLKSWAGEN ID.4/ID.5
Volkswagen NZ eschewed the Golf-like ID.3 for its first local BEV lineup, choosing instead to focus on the ID.4 SUV – and its coupe-like derivative, the ID.5.
Special pricing is still available on pre-registered models, which muddies the waters somewhat - to the point where VW's website suggests you "contact your local dealer for pricing". But the official new-retail did start at just under $80k.
Price $79,990-$94,490 Powertrain 77kWh battery, single electric motor, single-speed transmission, FWD Power/torque 150kW/310Nm Range 519-530km 0-100km/h 8.5 seconds
VOLVO XC40 RECHARGE
Volvo's "tough little robot" compact-SUV has been with us for a while - since 2017. But it's coming along on Volvo's journey to become a 100 per cent electric brand and this is its latest step: the Recharge. Previously available in PHEV format (now discontinued for NZ), the little 40 is now pure-electric.
The XC40 is closely related to the Polestar 2, with the same platform and powertrains.
Price $89,990-$104,990 Powertrain 69-82kWh battery, single or dual electric motors, single-speed transmission, RWD or AWD Power/torque 175kW/420Nm or 300kW/670Nm Range 478-539km
Read DRIVEN's review of the Volvo XC40 Recharge
BMW iX2
BMW iX1 too... square for you? The new-generation coupe-style X2 is also now available as a pure-electric model, with a 66.5kW battery and generous 440km range.
It's also a little cheaper than the iX1 (which is why you'll have to scroll on a little further to see that model), because it's offered only in eDrive20 guise, with a single rear-mounted motor.
Price $92,900 Powertrain 66.5kWh battery, single electric motor, single-speed transmission, RWD Power/torque 150kW/247Nm Range 440km
MERCEDES-BENZ EQA 250
The EQA is Mercedes-Benz's second BEV - an urban SUV that translates the look of the larger EQC into a more city-friendly size. It's equivalent to the petrol GLA in the maker's wider range.
Unlike the EQC (but very much in keeping with the urban SUV ethos), the EQA is front-drive. You still get a generous battery though, meaning a WLTP range of 400km-plus.
Price $93,899 Powertrain 67kWh battery, single electric motor, single-speed transmission, FWD Power/torque 140kW/375Nm Range 410km (WLTP)
BMW iX1
BMW's baby SUV, the X1, got a real lift in quality and technology with the new third-generation model launched in 2022, which featured a perky three-cylinder petrol engine and some very impressive driver-assistance and safety tech. In our review, we likened the design to the larger iX BEV.
That's even more valid now that BMW has added BEV power to its compact-SUV, to create the iX1. Sold in a single xDrive30 specification, it adds a lot to the X1 package with 230kW and all-wheel drive.
Price $96,900 Powertrain 66kWh battery, dual electric motors, single-speed transmission, AWD Power/torque 230kW/494Nm Range 432-466km
POLESTAR 2
This BEV specialist is a joint venture between Volvo and parent company Geely, and it's using plenty of the Swedish brand's styling cues.
The 2 is part sedan, part fastback and part SUV. Originally launched in FWD, an upgrade in 2023 made the switch to improved battery technology and RWD.
Price $99,990-$109,900 Powertrain 82kWh battery, single or dual electric motors, single-speed transmission, RWD or AWD Power/torque 220kW/490Nm or 310kW/740Nm Range 596-659km (WLTP)
Read DRIVEN's review of the Polestar 2
MERCEDES-BENZ EQB
Call it a larger alternative to the EQA with a seven-seat option, or a pure-electric version of the GLB SUV – technically speaking, either is correct for the EQB.
The EQB lineup was recenty rationalised for NZ and there’s now just one model, the 250+ with front-drive.It comes as standard with a third row of seats
Price $102,500 Powertrain 70.5kWh battery, single electric motor, single-speed transmission, FWD Power/torque 140kW/385Nm Range 360km
AUDI Q4 E-TRON
The Q4 e-tron is Audi's iteration of the VW Group MEB pure-electric platform, but it goes further upmarket - including a quattro AWD powertrain option.
The 40 Advanced is single-motor RWD, while the 50 quattro S line adds a second motor. The SUV body style is standard, but either model can be order as a Sportback pseudo-coupe for an extra $4k.
Price $103,990-$120,990 Powertrain 77kWh battery, single or dual electric motors, single-speed transmission, RWD or AWD Power/torque 150kW/310Nm, 220kW/460Nm Range 511-542km
MG CYBERSTER
Yes, MG is making a 2-seat sports car again. Or perhaps that should be super-sports car, given the performance potential of the top AWD model: 0-100km/h in just 3.2 seconds.
But perhaps the single-motor rear-drive model is more brand-appropriate and it's hardly slow, with 0-100km/h in 5.2sec. Whatever you choose, you get the same stunning styling and scissor doors.
Price $109,900-$129,000 Powertrain 77kWh battery, single or dual electric motors, single-speed transmission, RWD or AWD Power/torque 250kW/475Nm or 375kW/725Nm Range 443-507km
BMW i4
The i4 takes BMW's familiar "Gran Coupe" styling theme and applies it to a ground-up pure-electric model: tradition with the latest BEV technology.
The i4 is available in two versions, the eDrive40 and the high-performance M50, which has a range of M-specific equipment and enhancements. It's also brings AWD to the i4, to better contain the huge increase in power and torque that comes with the top model.
Price $115,000-$144,100 Powertrain 102kWh battery, dual electric motors, single-speed transmission, AWD Power/torque 388kW/610Nm Range 530km
CADILLAC LYRIQ
Cadillac is very serious about expanding into factory right-hand models. The luxury Lyriq is the first, but it's already confirmed there are more on the way, including the smaller Optiq (yes, it likes the letter "q").
Lyriq can be ordered in two different specifications, at slightly different prices, but both with the same powertrain: Luxury is more traditional, with shiny trim, while Sport goes more subtle, with blacked-out details.
Price $123,658-$125,658 Powertrain 84kWh battery, single or dual electric motors, single-speed transmission, RWD or AWD Power/torque 210kW/400, 250kW/430Nm or 400kW/795Nm Range 590-510km
POLESTAR 4
One design detail helped make the Polestar 4 famous: it has no rear window, with rearward vision handling by a sophisticated camera system.
But that's just one aspect of an overtly idiosyncratic luxury model, which has the high(ish) ground clearance of an SUV, the sleek exterior styling of a coupe... and business class-style rear seats.
Price $124,990-$134,990 Powertrain 100kWh battery, single or dual electric motors, single-speed transmission, RWD or AWD Power/torque 200kW or 400kW Range 590-620km 0-100km/h 3.8-7.1 seconds.
AUDI Q6 E-TRON
Just as the model number suggests, the Q6 e-tron sits in between the Q4 and Q8. But really, it stands apart because it's a new-generation SUV based on a whole new platform (PPE, shared with the Porsche Macan).
The entry Advanced model is single-motor rear-drive, which is a novelty for an Audi. But the mid-range S line steps up to quattro AWD, with the performance-oriented SQ6 topping the range.
Price $134,990-$169,990 Powertrain 94.9kWh battery, single or dual electric motors, single-speed transmission, RWD or AWD Power/torque 225kW, 285kW or 360kW, torque output front/rear -/485Nm or RWD, 275/580Nm for AWD Range 567-638km
LEXUS RZ 450e
The RZ450e is Lexus's second pure-electric model (after the compact UX300e) but definitely its first bespoke BEV. It's based on the same purpose-built platform as Toyota's forthcoming BZ4X.
Think of it as a sister model to the new RX500h hybrid, although the RZ is slightly shorter and lower, and shares no body panels (despite having a very similar look).
Price $141,600-$151,600 Powertrain 71kWh battery, dual electric motors, single-speed transmission, AWD Power/torque 150kW/266Nm (front), 80kW/168Nm (rear) Range 470km (NEDC) 0-100km/h 5.3 seconds
MERCEDES-BENZ EQE SUV
Just like it says on the box, the "EQE SUV" is... an SUV version of the EQE sedan, with the same platform and battery technology.
The SUV is still a very different machine, however. While the sedan is sleek and super-low, the SUV has more ground clearance and a higher driving position. But with the weight low-down in the chassis (as is the case with most BEVs), the driving dynamics are still very sharp. A high-powered Mercedes-AMG version still tops the range.
Price $151,800-$210,800 Powertrain 89kWh battery, single or dual electric motors, single-speed transmission, FWD/AWD Power/torque 180kW/550Nm, 215kW/765Nm or 460kW/950 Range 500km-626km (WLTP) 0-100km/h 7.3-3.7 seconds
PORSCHE MACAN ELECTRIC
Porsche has boldly gone pure-electric-only with its new-generation Macan - although the previous petrol model does also continue for now.
Macan is on an all-new platform called PPE and the range is broad, from an entry rear-drive model all the way through to the very fast Turbo.
Price $161,800-$224,900 Powertrain 100kWh battery, single or dual electric motors, single-speed transmission, FWD/AWD Power/torque 265kW/563Nm, 285kW/650Nm, 330kW/820Nm or 430kW/1130Nm Range 516km-641km (WLTP)
AUDI Q8 e-TRON
The "e-tron" was once simply the name for Audi's first pure-electric SUV. That's now changed to Q8 e-tron, despite Q8 being something slightly different previously. Yeah, we try not to think about it too much, it's confusing.
All models share the same 106kWh battery capacity, but the powertrain comes in two specifications: the SUV models serve up 300kW, while the SQ8 Sportback version pumps right up to 370kW.
Price $166,490-$181,990 Powertrain 106kWh battery, dual or triple electric motors, single-speed transmission, AWD Power/torque 300kW/664Nm or 370kW/973Nm Range 438-560km
POLESTAR 3
The 3 was the model that launched Polestar into the luxury big-time. While it's based on a shared platform with Volvo, the idea is that the 3 is "designed as a Polestar from the start" and it's certainly a unique luxury SUV: high ground clearance, but with a low roof.
The body shape is full of clever aero details (if you look closely) and the interior goes big on sustainable materials.
Price $169,990-$184,990 Powertrain 111kWh battery, dual electric motors, single-speed transmission, AWD Power/torque 360kW/840Nm or 380kW/910Nm Range 561-628km 0-100km/h 4.7-5.0 seconds
MERCEDES-BENZ EQV
The ultimate eco-people mover? That's certainly the intention of the Mercedes-Benz EQV, which takes the familiar V-class MPV and adapts it to pure-electric power, with a generous 100kWh battery (Mercedes-Benz claims 90kWh "usable" capacity) and a high level of refinement.
The EQV transports up to seven people and with the battery pack installed under the cabin floor, loses nothing in practicality and loadspace compared with the standard V-class models.
Price $173,413 Powertrain 90kWh battery, dual electric motors, single-speed transmission, FWD Power/torque 150kW/365Nm Range 418km 0-100km/h 12.1 seconds
BMW i5 M60
It looks a lot like a conventional 5-Series, but the i5 is a new-generation pure-electric model bristling with technology. It's only offered here in high-performance M60 guise, with a mighty 442kW.
Another highlight of this model is the availability of a station-wagon version, the i5 M60 Touring. Same powertrain, just with more practicality - and a very cool look.
Price $196,900-$201,900 Powertrain 84kWh battery, dual electric motors, single-speed transmission, AWD Power/torque 442kW/820Nm Range 516km
MERCEDES-BENZ EQS SUV
Underneath, the EQS SUV is a larger version of the EQE SUV: 262mm longer, with an extra 180mm in the wheelbase (most of which goes into second-row legroom). But on top, it aims to combine the top-level luxury of an S-Class with the practicality of a seven-seat SUV.
There's the EQS 450 4Matic, boasting an enormous 108kWh battery and range of up to 592km. Rear-axle steering is standard, to assist with city driving and parking. But if you want to go all-out on luxury, there's also a Maybach version.
Price $197,500-$304,500 Powertrain 108kWh battery, dual electric motors, single-speed transmission, AWD Power/torque 265kW/800Nm or 484kW/955 Range 592km
AUDI e-TRON GT
Audi's low-slung high-performance coupe is a close relation of the Porsche Taycan, albeit with unique styling, a tighter model lineup and the brand's signature quattro all-wheel drive standard across the range.
The range is now focused on the standard "e-tron GT quattro"; the range-topping RS version is no longer available in NZ.
Price $207,590 Powertrain 93kWh battery, dual electric motors, two-speed transmission, AWD Power/torque 390kW/640Nm Range 487km
BMW iX
The iX is BMW's radical new-generation pure-electric SUV, showcasing its latest design cues, interior architecture and BEV technology.
It comes in two versions, the xDrive50 and the M-fettled M60, which boasts 455kW/1100Nm, M-specific suspension and 0-100km/h in just 3.8 seconds.
Price $207,800-$242,500 Powertrain 112kWh battery, dual electric motors, single-speed transmission, AWD Power/torque 385kW/765Nm or 455kW/1100Nm Range 601km
LOTUS EMEYA
Lotus calls the Emeya 4-door a "hyper-GT". It's from the Chinese division of the company (owned by Geely) and based on the same platform as the Eletre SUV, but with substantial changes to make it lower and more sporty - including a thinner battery.
You can be as extreme as you like, with three different versions on offer: even the entry model has 450kW, while the top R boasts 675kW.
Price $220,000-$290,000 Powertrain 102kWh battery, dual electric motors, single-speed transmission, AWD Power/torque 450kW/710Nm or 675kW/985Nm Range 435-610km
PORSCHE TAYCAN
Porsche has offered plug-in cars for nearly a decade, but Taycan went down in history as its first full BEV. Now facelift, it's available in a dizzying range of body style, powertrain and power configurations.
There are low-slung "sport saloon" and SUV-style Cross Turismo models, with rear-drive (saloon only) and all-wheel drive, and standard or long-range batteries. And now, even a track-focused Turbo GT.
Price $226,000-$468,900 Powertrain 89kWh or 105kWh battery, single or dual electric motors, two-speed transmission, RWD or AWD Power/torque 300kW/345Nm, 380kW/710Nm, 520kW/890Nm, 570kW/1110Nm, 580kW/1240Nm Range 503-678km
LOTUS ELETRE
Eletre was Lotus's first-ever SUV at launch in 2022, and the first new product from its China-based Lotus Technologies division (although the various components of the company are now united under one management).
In true luxury-SUV fashion, it's outlandish to look at, very fast and very expensive. It's also a close relation of the Emeya super-sedan.
Price $235,000-$315,000 Powertrain 102kWh battery, dual electric motors, single-speed transmission, AWD Power/torque 450kW/710Nm or 675kW/985Nm Range 410-600km
BMW i7
BMW's traditional flagship sedan is no more. The 7-Series has transitioned to fully electric, which is surely a watershed moment for the German luxury brand.
The i7 is dripping with luxury, high technology and surprise-and-delight features, including a "Great Entrance Moments" welcoming protocol when you approach/unlock, "lounge atmosphere" cabin and a cinema-like 31.3in screen in the back.
Price $311,500 Powertrain 106kWh battery, dual electric motors, single-speed transmission, AWD Power/torque 400kW/745Nm Range 590-625km 0-100km/h 4.7 seconds
ROLLS-ROYCE SPECTRE
The most expensive BEV you can buy in NZ is a Rolls-Royce: who'd have thought? Actually it wouldn't have been a possibility in previous years, because the Spectre is indeed R-R's first-ever pure-electric car.
Spectre is a 2-door with the classic Rolls coach doors and the vehicle for a wealth of personalisation from the factory. So that $750k price is really only a starting point.
Price $750,000 (exclusive of personalisation) Powertrain 102kWh battery, dual electric motors, single-speed transmission, AWD Power/torque 430kW/900Nm Range 530km