We're looking at an EV. An SUV because we massive dogs, and I can't convince my partner to go for a station wagon.
Still tossing up whether it’s worth it to buy new or near new and get the 1% interest rate Green home loan top from BNZ. Or buy a cheap used petrol to replace our beater.
Anyone got any recommendations on an EV SUV?
Value means different things to different people.
In the new space:
My take is the base MG ZS EV is by far the best value on the market. Its a lot of EV for $41k after rebate. Decent interior and boot space for it's size. Build quality not as good as Japanese, but passable. Durable LFP battery pack. 7 year unlimited km warrenty.
However if you look at year to date sales charts, at 1461 sales, it's number three, behind the model Y (3035), and the Atto 3 (2415).
So as a population, people over the past year have seen the most value in the model Y. It's desirable, it's fast, it has cool tech like built in dash camera's, good resale, durable lfp battery on base trim) and it has decent cargo space. But it is somewhat unconventional. - no dashboad display, doesn't come with key fobs, and the sloping rear glass may not be ideal for large dogs. Also great value at $69,590 for the RWD - $7015 rebate (if you can get it, which is uncertain seen as Tesla doesn't have inventory of RWD car's, so you need to order from their china factory (Nov – Dec 2023 estimated delivery).
Atto 3 is a bit cheaper than the model 3, and seems well loved (apart from the odd interior) - has both a standard range and extended range versons, both with LFP batteries (most other brands use less durable NMC batteries on higher trims).
Less common stuff that could be worth a look:
SsangYong Korando e-Motion. Obsure korean brand, but cheapest way to get a 551L boot, and a 1500kg tow rating.
Skoda Enyaq 80 - Impressive 532km rated range, an biggest boot in class (587L).
Subaru Solterra - Only AWD pure EV SUV under $80k. Not sure if they are delivering them yet.
Ioniq5. - The 72kWh is the one you would want, but it is currently over the rebate cap - however you can get ex demo for similar money as the above 2 cars. Big boot (rear seat on rails and can be moved forward to make more boot space.
https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/hyundai/ioniq-5/list…
Normally I would recommend EV6, but the sloped rear glass would suck for OP's application.
Left field options:
LDV Mifa 9 - A large people mover - if it is space you want this has it in abundance.
LDV eT60 - currently on a run-out fire sale. This used to be be $79,990, and is currently $56,990, both before $7015 rebate. No doubt that an electric double cab ute for $50k is great value. Should note that there is a reason these are being so discounted. At full price these were poorly received. Lacks basic features that one would expect at this price point (i.e. keyless entry & cruise control). Is 2wd Only, and the oddly the motor is unsprung (bolted to the rear solid axle). - also payload & tow rating is way below that if it's diesel ute peers (but still respectable the EV SUV's). Electric utes that can compete directly with Hilux etc are expected in the next year or so, but those will cost a lot more money.
If you just want something for around town, a used e-nv200 could be a good option. Basically a nissan leaf with a little van body on it:
https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/nissan/e-nv200/listi…
I will put this out, Clean car rebate going out on 31st December. So if going for EV, make sure you can get it before that to get that discount.
MG had some good sale and some have inventory to clear. Tesla had some existing inventory which would be great value for the money. Make sure those inventory stock is already in NZ as some came cancelled orders which still hasn't arrived in NZ yet. Let me know if you need a Tesla Referral. By the way I do recommend Tesla, as I own one, but nothing against any other EV or hybrid.
Also, look into Mitsubishi hybrid Cross or Toyota corolla cross.
Best value would be either the byd atto 3 or mg ZS. The rebate on the mg makes them very compelling starting at $42k. A second hand mg with the smaller batteries starts at $30k so the price difference is in the realms of doable. If you take the 1% for the full $51k sale prices and dump the rebate in to savings or offset your mortgage the gap comes down even further if you can save 7% interest on that $7k you've put aside.
I believe there will be rapid changes in the EV sector. Rebate is enticing but you will be left with an outdated model.
How does a resale value looking ?
Tesla for example . New prices are lower than what it was sold for last year.
There are some really good hybrids out there
@scott