New research from Consumer NZ shows an overwhelming 96% of electric vehicle (EV) owners would buy another EV, confirming strong satisfaction among current owners.
Consumer has released findings from its latest car reliability and satisfaction survey, representing responses from 5,791 members and supporters collected in November and December 2025.
“This survey canvassed car owner experiences, providing insights into preferred engines, brand performance, reliability and overall owner satisfaction,” says Consumer NZ chief executive Jon Duffy.
While petrol vehicles continue to dominate the nation’s roads, making up 59% of cars New Zealanders own, the landscape is shifting. The share of EVs and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) has grown from 12% in 2023 to 17% in 2025. Hybrid ownership has also risen significantly, increasing from 10% to 15% over the same period.
“This indicates a gradual but growing shift towards going electric on our roads,” says Duffy.
Over half of EV owners made the switch with the anticipation of lower running costs, and 81% of current owners say their operating costs are much cheaper. Environmental considerations were also a key factor.
“Our research found that one of the more affordable electric vehicle brands ranked highly when it came to price and reliability, outstripping performance on some better-known petrol brands,” says Duffy.
However, despite 56% of EV owners wanting lower running costs, 29% kept the same power plan after buying an EV, even though they would now be using more energy.
“This highlights the importance of heading to Powerswitch to the find the best deal for your energy needs. There are significant savings to be made on power by shopping around,” says Duffy.
The survey also explored how drivers feel about vehicle safety technology. Reversing cameras and sensors topped the list as respondents’ most valued safety features, while lane-keeping assist was ranked the most annoying.
For more insights into New Zealand’s best and worst cars, including reliable motoring, owner satisfaction, maintenance and repair costs, and the recipients of Consumer NZ’s annual People’s Choice awards, see the full survey results at consumer.org.nz/products/ car-reliability
