In spite of the government’s recent move to tame New Zealand’s petrol prices, prices at the pump are still well up on what they were at the same point last year. And, it’s giving a second wind to local the surge of interest in electric vehicles.
In a statement released today, Hyundai New Zealand claims interest in its electric vehicles via online inquiry and at dealerships has “quadrupled” since the country’s “petrol price turmoil” began.
This is particularly true for the brand’s flagship EV; the Ioniq 5.
According to Hyundai New Zealand general manager Chris Blair, deposits for the award winning Ioniq 5 have doubled in the last week, while online traffic to the company’s electric vehicle section has more than quadrupled relative to the same time last year.
“Orders and inquiries for electric vehicles are as strong as when the Government announced its clean car rebate last year,” says Blair.
“Anecdotal feedback from customers ordering cars and asking our dealerships about EV options is that this is a direct response to the increase in petrol prices and global supply uncertainty.
“Each day quickly fills up with bookings for test drives.”
Hyundai is among the most well positioned brands when it comes to electric vehicles. Along with the Ioniq 5 it offers the Ioniq (in pure EV, PHEV, and HEV forms), and the Kona Electric. The Ioniq 6 will join the line-up by the end of the year, too.
On top of this, Hyundai claims it has a more steady supply of new EV models than some other distributors. “Hyundai has stock arriving on a monthly basis, meaning customers have good choice on which EV they take home,” it says.
This could be read as a shot at the brand’s two biggest EV rivals, Tesla and MG, both of which are currently battling inconsistent supply from overseas.
“We’re fortunate in comparison to many other distributors or subsidiaries, that we have a good supply of all three of our newest EV models on the ground now. If they want to, customers can drive away in a Hyundai EV today,” Blair adds.
“If customers are seeking a specific colour, spec level or variant our dealer network will be able to advise what we have in the country now and what we’d need to order in, which could typically take 3-6 months.
“Customers are telling us that they’re looking at the long-term trend – they want a vehicle which will overcome future changes to petrol price and supply.
“We know that many Kiwis have already thought about EVs as their next car purchase – so the current crisis has been a catalyst to bring forward that purchase decision or plan.”
