Polestar 2 MY23 SRSM Pilot $44,990 (MSP $69,990), MY24 LRSM Pilot $64,990 (MSP $94,990) @ Polestar NZ

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Polestar 2 MY23 SRSM Pilot $44,990 (MSP $69,990), MY24 LRSM Pilot $64,990 (MSP $94,990) @ Polestar NZ

scott on 13/01/2025 - 11:30 online.polestar.co.nz (1250 clicks)
Last edited 14/01/2025 - 09:18 by 1 other user

A commenter on my last car post, was a bit unhappy that the lexus RZ450e was a soft SUV, so decided to post a different body style.

There is a global and local EV glut, so it seems that basically every ev model (With the exclusion of recent releases like the EV5), is getting discounts of price cuts.

I picked the Polestar 2 as I am fairly fond of the car. They are in the Auckland & Wellington Mevo fleets if somebody wants to take a 2023 for a spin without involving a dealership. Polestar was spun off from Volvo by Greely to form a dedicated EV brand in 2017.

I feel the Polestar 2 is one of the best looking sedans on the road.

2023 Polestar 2

Model	MSP	Your Price
MY23 SRSM Pilot	$69,990	$44,990
MY23 LRDM Pilot	$86,990	$61,990
MY23 LRDM Plus	$94,990	$69,990
MY23 LRDM Performance	$104,990	$79,990

2024 Polestar 2

Model	MSP	Your Price
MY24 LRSM Pilot	$93,990	$64,990
MY24 LRSM Plus	$99,990	$74,990
MY24 LRDM Plus	$109,990	$84,990
MY24 LRDM Performance	$119,990	$94,990

Note the mid cycle refresh happened between MY 2023 and MY 2024, and it was a fairly major change. Notably:
- Single motor versions changed from FWD to RWD
- Jump in single motor peak power from 170kW to 200 or 220kW depending on version
- Jump in DC charging speed
- Increase in pack size for the Long range battery.

For reference:

MY23

Model	Battery Capacity	Motor Configuration	0-100 km/h Time	WLTP Range
SRSM	69 kWh	1x 170kW Motor (FWD)	7.4s	478 km
LRSM	78 kWh	1x 170kW Motor (FWD)	7.4s	551 km
LRDM	78 kWh	2x 150kW Motor	4.7s	487 km

MY24

Model	Motor Configuration	0-100 km/h Time	WLTP Range
SRSM	Single Motor 200kW (RWD)	6.4s	546 km
LRSM	Single Motor 220kW (RWD)	6.2s	659 km
LRDM	Dual Motor 310kW (AWD)	4.5s	596 km
LRDM Performance	Dual Motor 350kW (AWD)	4.2s	568 km

Details of what is in the MY23 packs:

https://archipro.co.nz/assets/MemberUploads/Polestar-2-MY23-…

MY24 details here:
https://www.polestar.com/nz/polestar-2/

1500kg tow rating across the board.

Note this is a very completive market segment. Good aerodynamics of the sedan body style mean you get a heap more range from similar size Battey packs then you do in a soft SUV body style.

Polestar 2, Model 3, BYD Seal & Ioniq 6 are all really strong offerings. Must say I am quite fond of how multiple offerings in this segment have more than 600 km WLTP rated range. Sadly Hyundai has dropped the Ioniq 6 from it's website, but there does seem to be stock still floating around on trademe if one really wants 800v charging in a sedan.

Automotive Car Electric Vehicle Polestar

27 Feb

Related Stores

polestar.co.nz

closed Comments

Jaxson on 13/01/2025 - 13:05

Couple of thoughts:
1) What's 'soft' SUV actually mean?
2) Cool to see a return to RWD, which I personally much prefer the handling characteristics of.
Makes total sense in an electric motor setup because you can put the motor anywhere and don't need a driveshaft mechanical linkage.
- scott on 13/01/2025 - 14:28
  
  In the USA the term crossover would be used. I typically use the term soft roader. in this case I used the term Soft SUV
  
  I am looking to describe anything marketed as a SUV, but is built on a car based platform. i.e. Rav4, highlander etc.
  
  And I am trying to draw a distinction with Truck based 4x4's, with low range transfer cases like Fortuner, Prado etc.
  
  Of course these days the lines get blurrier every year. Defender has gone unibody, and 10+ speed gearboxes (like on the pervious generation amarok) & the low down torque of EV's mean's that some SUV's without low range are really capable off road. Riviran R1T would be an example of a vehcicle that can hold it's own with the likes of a Prado off road, but is unibody and lacks low range.
  
  On RWD, yes EV's are an absolute boon for those who perfer RWD. Having a motor small enough to package at the rear axle (and power outputs north of 200kW becoming the norm), makes going RWD an obvious design choice for EV's. Still not standard though.
manuka on 13/01/2025 - 13:11

+4

Do y'all have a spare 50k lying about or buy these on finance?
- Poppymocky on 13/01/2025 - 13:20
  
  +3
  
  Even if you have $50k sitting idle most banks - it you have a home loan with them - offer green loans at 0-1% for a few years so it can financially make sense. At least it did when i bought a leaf last year when they will selling them.
  
  You would be surprised how many Teslas in NZ (and elsewhere) have interested parties registered on them and just how underwater people are with them because of the resale values plummeting.
- RockCartel on 13/01/2025 - 13:21
  
  +2
  
  If you are looking to finance 50k, I'd say look for a cheaper transport method
  Or… YOLO
- quasar on 13/01/2025 - 14:28
  
  +3
  
  To buy my Ioniq5 I traded in my previous car and financed the difference with a small ASB 1% Better Homes loan. I'm paying very little interest and have a much nicer car and with the number of KMs I drive and being able to charge at home it's a lot cheaper to run.
- La102 on 14/01/2025 - 07:45
  
  My car is 45k and I paid cash as it makes zero sense to finance a depreciating asset. Money also devalues so the green loan someone mentioned at 1% is actually not bad. I saved up a couple of years and then got a lump sum when someone wrote off my old car which helped. I'm keeping this new car for a minimum of ten years so it'll be like I paid 4500 a year for access to a nice car. There's no point selling it sooner because in the first two years I lost 12k on depreciation so I may as well hold onto it and get the most value I can from it.
  - SrsSarcasM on 14/01/2025 - 09:08
    
    When banks are offering 1% loans it actually makes total financial sense to finance a depreciating asset - as your cash can earn more after-tax interest than 1%.
  - Everettpsycho on 15/01/2025 - 19:57
    
    The green loans are otally worth it if you have revolving credit on your home. If you have $45k cash and put that against your revolving credit/mortgage you arent paying the high interest rate. So very crude numbers withiut compounding the debt.
    
    45k at 6% would pay $2700 in interest a year
    45k at 1% would pay $450 in interest a year
    
    Over a 3 year loan you'd be 7k up on paying cash for the car and then paying it off with the cash you had already.
- phillq on 14/01/2025 - 10:46
  
  Banks offer 1% loans for EVs for three years if you have a mortgage with them.
  - nevergofullretail on 14/01/2025 - 10:55
    
    +1
    
    i'm looking at this too, im with ANZ and their good energy loan can loan against a range of energy related purchases, for cars its "New or used electric, hybrid or plug-in hybrid vehicles purchased from a registered motor vehicle trader". I'm about to pay my mortgage off but i can still get the 1% loan due to my house being still used as security until its discharged.
NS on 13/01/2025 - 13:47

+2

That's a lotta car that is safe and modern for 45k. If I didn't have a work car I'd consider this for sure.
ABCDEFG on 13/01/2025 - 14:19

Had a Polestar as a rental last year and loved it. If you're in the market in that price bracket these seem like a bit of a no brainer to me.
- Jexla on 13/01/2025 - 19:39
  
  +1
  
  I did too and it was the most uncomfortable POS I've ever driven. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy, I'll take the cheaper RAV4 all day.
  - ABCDEFG on 13/01/2025 - 20:30
    
    😂 Different strokes, I guess.
Gpig on 13/01/2025 - 14:19

+1

Not to yuck on people's yum but it doesn't sound like a good deal to me. Those are cars sitting in the lot for 2 years as demand for EV's has dropped hard.
- scott on 13/01/2025 - 15:55
  
  I'm kind of fond of the looks of the polestar (especially pre update), but still I have to admit it is a bit embarrassing that polestar NZ wasn't able to sell their MY2023 cars in 2023 & 2024. 2023 especially was a great year for EV sales in NZ.
- scott on 13/01/2025 - 16:28
  
  +1
  
  Also must say I am suppressed this post has already got the same number of upvotes as the GWM Ora price cut. It may not be as nice as Polestar 2 (and it doesn't have the crazy percentage savings of the current Lexus RZ deal, or last years Mach-e deals), but the fact you can get a new decently speced EV for cheaper than any new Toyota is a fairly big deal to me.
- GrantBNZ on 14/01/2025 - 10:27
  
  Who cares if been sitting 'in the lot' for 1 to 2 years or 'demand for EVs (in NZ) has dropped'?
  
  Ultimately if you are in the market for a new car with $40k+ budget, why would you not compare these to other options as they are pretty decent modern car that you can fill up at home, and as a bonus, produce less emissions and exhaust pollution.
  
  I am certainly putting them on my maybe list for replacing my current ICE car
RockCartel on 13/01/2025 - 15:34

+2

You can get one for $45k, but it's not the one you want.
They're using the Apple price model.
- scott on 13/01/2025 - 15:53
  
  +1
  
  Yeah, it's the least desirable car of their lineup, but still 170 kW, 7.4s 0-100 time, 478 km WLTP range is a respectable spec sheet.
- Supadupa on 13/01/2025 - 16:49
  
  +3
  
  Yeah I kinda agree here. I was looking at a single motor when they first came out, and the FWD kind of killed it for me tbh. This was back when there was only that, a Model 3, and Kia EV6 to consider. Out of corners accelerating it was a bit of a dog, felt really understeer-ish and just couldn't put its power down. I ended up going for the EV6 due to rear seat space for the kids, RWD, and not giving my $$ to a nut job.
  
  I'd personally consider the facelift RWD, or stump up for the dual motor ones of the older model. Interior is very cockpit like if you like that in your cars. Probably would have suited me best before I had a family.
moreroastpork on 13/01/2025 - 17:28

+1

I’ve twice borrowed a Polestar via Mevo and both times hit my head hard enough getting in to almost concuss myself. I’m only 5’10” so I can’t be the only one to have done this. Once inside the cabin also felt quite squashed.
- quasar on 13/01/2025 - 17:49
  
  I had the same problem (I'm 186cm) and was one of the reasons why I went Ioniq5 instead. I really liked aspects of it though, the build quality felt good and I liked Android Automotive.
- Jexla on 13/01/2025 - 19:40
  
  -1
  
  Worst car I've ever had the displeasure to drive.
jasonw on 13/01/2025 - 18:42

-3

I’ve been following some EV development news and TikToks. There seems to be a breakthrough in battery technology every 3–4 months in China. The latest one, about to hit mass production, is solid-state batteries (SSBs). They offer similar pricing, are much safer, and double the capacity of LFP batteries. This means we are likely to see EVs with 1000–1500 km ranges commonly available this year. One of the reasons for those massive discounts is that Chinese EVs are coming with all the new tech. Check out the interview with the CEO of Ford; it’s quite fascinating. What I am trying to say is, unless you have to buy one now, it would be better waiting for a few months to see what happens next.
- scott on 13/01/2025 - 19:35
  
  +7
  
  Solid state batteries have been as the Holy grail for EV's for 5+ years.
  
  Sadly they have been proving frustratingly difficult to build at scale.
  
  I understand some brand are currently testing semi solid state batteries, But don't think anybody has cracked full solid state batteries yet.
  
  The information you have around similar pricing is wide of the mark. They are really hard to build, which means expensive. First applications are going to be high priced cars where energy density per weight is very important. Think Lambo's etc… Extremely unlikely we will see sub $100k cars with solid state batteries her in the next 3 years.
  
  But as always with tech products there is something better around the corner. If you always wait for the next thing you will be perpetually waiting.
  
  Should note the EV deals seem to be cooling a little in NZ at the moment. Nissan leaf is sold out, fiat 500e is sold out, I think the cheap Mach-e deals are largely gone. Kia has raised the price of the EV9 back up from the discounted price it sat at for most of last year.
- La102 on 14/01/2025 - 07:46
  
  That's the type of range which could twist my arm into getting an EV

Moodkiller on 13/01/2025 - 21:04

Anyone got a buy one get one free code??

*cant beleive this hasnt been said.

Anyways, @scott, code for your tables and headings :) copy / paste without the indenting should work

# 2023 Polestar 2
| Model                  | MSP      | Your Price |
| ---------------------- | -------- | ---------- |
| MY23 SRSM Pilot        | $69,990  | $44,990    |
| MY23 LRDM Pilot        | $86,990  | $61,990    |
| MY23 LRDM Plus         | $94,990  | $69,990    |
| MY23 LRDM Performance  | $104,990 | $79,990    |

# 2024 Polestar 2
| Model                  | MSP      | Your Price |
| ---------------------- | -------- | ---------- |
| MY24 LRSM Pilot        | $93,990  | $64,990    |
| MY24 LRSM Plus         | $99,990  | $74,990    |
| MY24 LRDM Plus         | $109,990 | $84,990    |
| MY24 LRDM Performance  | $119,990 | $94,990    |

# MY23
| Model | Battery Capacity | Motor Configuration | 0-100 km/h Time | WLTP Range |
| ----- | ---------------- | ------------------- | --------------- | ---------- |
| SRSM  | 69 kWh           | 1x 170kW Motor (FWD)| 7.4s            | 478 km     |
| LRSM  | 78 kWh           | 1x 170kW Motor (FWD)| 7.4s            | 551 km     |
| LRDM  | 78 kWh           | 2x 150kW Motor      | 4.7s            | 487 km     |

# MY24
| Model              | Motor Configuration         | 0-100 km/h Time | WLTP Range |
| ------------------ | --------------------------- | --------------- | ---------- |
| SRSM               | Single Motor 200kW (RWD)    | 6.4s            | 546 km     |
| LRSM               | Single Motor 220kW (RWD)    | 6.2s            | 659 km     |
| LRDM               | Dual Motor 310kW (AWD)      | 4.5s            | 596 km     |
| LRDM Performance   | Dual Motor 350kW (AWD)      | 4.2s            | 568 km     |

scott on 13/01/2025 - 21:46

+1

Given the discount on the lexus RX450e is more than 50% you can do better than buy one get one free on it, (or buy two for less than full price if that is your jam).

https://www.cheapies.nz/node/50097

thanks for the tables

bmt on 13/01/2025 - 21:38

+1

Are there any metrics where the Polestar is objectively better than an equivalent Model 3?

Just looking at the top of the line MY24 Polestar and its $95k.. the Model 3 Performance is $87k driveaway… and a better car?
- scott on 13/01/2025 - 21:44
  
  WLTP range (no model 3 offers more than 650km range
  
  Tow rating
  
  Turning circle
  
  being able to load more bulky cargo (it's a liftback not a sedan).
  
  1 indicator stalk vs 0 indictor stalks
  
  Having Carplay
- Poppymocky on 13/01/2025 - 22:20
  
  Park a model 3 next to a polestar and you will objectively see right away why a polestar looks better - objectively better fit and finish.
  Model 3 is elons bastard child (well, not literally).
  
  If it means anything have a read of the guy that worked as a consultant for Vinfast (through Tata) that got blackballed after whistleblowing on Vinfast. He recommendation was a polestar over anything else.
- jfnz on 14/01/2025 - 15:28
  
  I say this as someone who actually thinks the Polestar 2 are a subjectively good looking vehicle.
  
  They were too expensive for what you're getting. Not just vs. the Tesla options, vs a lot of the EV options in the market.
  
  Looking even purely at the specs it's a pretty rough comparison, I'm not surprised they didn't sell well looking at the value proposition. Compare the performance models and it gets worse (due to price). A used Model S with low kms, for example, has similar range, a faster 0-100, looks objectively much prettier and is exceptionally practical, fast, reliable and an enjoyable drive - at basically half the RRP of a new polestar.
offroad on 13/01/2025 - 23:39

I’m actually in the market for new suv that is either of same size or bigger than my 2017 petrol 2000cc rav4.

Finding it hard to decide whether i shd choose hybrid or ev. Dont want petror or diesel as i cant get 1% green loan on them. Im thinking of id4, id5, mach e, or enyaq. All are priced currently for about $45k-$50k on trademe. If i was to go hybrid there are also so many options, jolion and h6 seem bit ugly tbh, scared of choosing chinese mg zs as well. Pretty confused what to do lol
- al rm on 15/01/2025 - 09:54
  
  If you just want something that works more or less like a petrol car but uses less fuel than hybrid might be the way to go.
  
  As someone who owns an EV and a hybrid, I would say drive some EVs then a hybrid. Personally I'd never choose hybrid again. The noise, vibration, smell, and lack of available power are all very noticeable now. I'm also a fan of refuelling in the driveway, and much less maintenance. Commuting is 95% of my driving so EVs are ideal for my use case.
  
  If l couldn't plug in at home or work, it would likely be a deal breaker though.
- scott on 15/01/2025 - 17:06
  
  Obvious first pick to replace a Rav4 is another Rav4.
  
  Current Rav4 hybrid has an amazing spec sheet, and has been topping sales charts for good reason. Refinement is a little lacking though.
  
  Personally the Chinese hybrids (outside of the odd plug in hybrid like the Shark 6), don't really appeal to me.
  
  That said, its $49 - $61k price tag goes a really long way in the EV space currently.
  
  Car's like the Mach E & Enyaq are really a class or two above the Rav4 when it comes to the drive and refinement.
  
  A pity that the Mach-e new deals of last year seem to be largely gone, but there still seem to be the odd ex demo around. Had a Mach-e as a rental, and while the range was a little disappointing, the drive was really planted, and the acoustic insulation was great (I daily drive a lexus RX)
  
  There is no way a 198kW RWD medium SUV should be the same price as a top spec corolla, but here we are.
  
  And if you can stretch to $64k (perhaps a little less after negotiation), you can get a ex demo mach-e GT (358kW, beat your childhood dream supercar in a drag race kinda stuff), which features the very nice MagneRide adaptive suspension system.
  
  Note ford has not rated the Mach e for towing in NZ.
  
  Of the VAG cars, the Enyaq is my pick (largest boot). Not as powerful as the ford, but impressive range, and refinement is meant to be excellent.
  
  EV6 Air LR could also be worth a look. ex demo's currenty listed at $59k. 528km WLTP range (these tend to get a lot closer to this in the real world than ford / Tesla). Worse refinement than the Mach-e, but a lot more efficient, and it supports 800v charging (10 - 80% in 18mins), plus vehicle to load (230V outlet by the rear seats, rated to 16A, so run anything from a waterblaster to a vaccume cleaner from your car.
  
  With the launch of the new Model Y, pre-refresh inventory is discounted (starts at $62k) and could be an option also.
  
  there is also the byd atto3 & MG ZS EV, but they are lesser cars than the above, so if your budget can get to say a Mach-e RWD, I wouldn't bother with them.
  
  As with the other comment, to have a good EV experience, you need a spot to charge at either home or work.
  
  Allow ~2.5k to buy a wall charger and to have it installed. (the tesla wallbox is the best bang for buck in the industry at the moment, regardless of what brand car you buy).
  - offroad on 15/01/2025 - 22:47
    
    Wow, thanks Scott, im even more confused now, lol just kidding. Really appreciate your detailed comment.
    
    From what you have told me, my obvious choice shd be replacing rav4 with rav4 hybrid. In 2017 i paid $43k for top spec brand new 2wd limited rav4 and now these new ones cost $60k but its because of inflation and hybrid battery i guess. But still spending $60k on rav4 just seems a bit hard to digest for me.
    
    It seems enyaq might be a better/modern option for $55k, i checked dimensions of enyaq (width and length) are more than rav4, so it must be good spacious car like rav.
    
    Yes the mustang demo were great but all gone now, my mate bought awd brand new (ordered as demo by ford) for just under $60k late last year.
    
    Sometimes im thinking i should save money and settle on new haval jolion hybrid 2025 base model for just $33k right now, any idea how these jolions are?
    
    And there is new kgm torres ev as well which is a big bus which is for $48k brand new
    - scott on 16/01/2025 - 02:09
      
      On Rav4 pricing, there are a few factors:
      - New generation came out in 2018, as typical, slightly larger than the prior generation (larger means more expensive typically.
      - Toyota now has 3 different smaller SUV, that it can point price sensitive customers towards.
      - Toyota NZ rav4 lineup is now exclusively AWD and Hybrid. Each seem to add about $3 - $4k in price to a car, so that's an extra $6 - $8k lumped on.
      - Vehicle inflation went nuts in the pandemic, And (other than EV's), they seem to have stuck.
      - Rav4 hybrid was one of the hottest tickets in town. At one stage the wait list was ~ 1 year long. Consumers absolutely lapping up a 163 kW AWD SUV with a 1500kg tow rating and rated fuel consumption (on 91 RON) of 5.3L/100km.
      
      But I get what you are saying about spending $60k on one. I might be spoilt daily driving a Lexus RX, but the refinement in the current rav4 is not great.
      
      Enyaq is a substantially more spacious and premium car than the Rav4. Was meant to sell at $80k and the feel reflects that. But I only sat in one at the mall, didn't drive it. No frunk, but the boot is big.
      
      There are still some mach-e demo's on trademe ~45k for RWD and $64k for GT (no AWD's available), I think it is the brand new 2023's that are gone.
      
      Other than knowing it's the new Sangyoung, I don't really know anything about the Kgm. Photos look nice.
      
      And I don't know anything about the havall either.
      
      Left field, and they kinda suck (no cruise control, no push button start, motor mounted directly on rear diff housing), but if you want a heap of space for cheap, the ex demo LDV eT60's are selling for $35k
      - offroad on 16/01/2025 - 22:33
        
        @scott: Did some research on trademe and these are the low kms cheapest ev options i have found:
        2023 Id.4 $43,990 kms11000
        2023 Id.5 $42,990 kms12,150
        2023 Ev6 $52,990 kms2,500
        2022 Model y $51,800 kms21,158
        2023 Ix3 $54,990 kms24,800
        2024 Enyaq $54,990 kms45
        2024 Kgm torres $41,990 kms6,997
offroad on 13/01/2025 - 23:47

+2

Can somebody please tell me if my calculation and understanding is correct:

Tesla model y $62154 discounted price
20000kms year cost $1532.44 RUC

tesla model y 450km full charging cost 60kw x 30.44cents = $18.26

44.44 charges used a year (for 20,000kms)
44.44 charges x $18.26 per charge cost = $811.65 yearly charging cost

Total cost
$1532.44 ruc + $811.65 charging = $2344 per annum ($0 servicing costs for EV)

—————-

Rav4 top spec $60000 price
Average 18.868kms per litre
1060 litres consumed to run 20000kms
Cost of fuel $2.639 per litre x 1060 = $2797
4yrs free servicing
- nzmax on 14/01/2025 - 00:52
  
  I understand RUCs are going to apply to all vehicles at some point. Although fuel tax may drop, I can see it being a way to get extra tax as I can still see them taxing fuel. But those sort of calcs are one reason we purchased a RAV hybrid because it made sense. But IMO it doesn't feel right that we have made EVs so unattractive in NZ.
- lividbaboon on 14/01/2025 - 08:56
  
  +1
  
  Looks about right to me. I didn't realise the RUC change had swung things that badly. Of course, like all RUC vehicles, you gain a bit by paying for mileage instead of fuel if you do lots of short but fuel inefficient trips, so EVs shine as shorter trip cars.
  
  If anything you are being a bit kind to the EV, servicing isn't really non existent and most vehicles only get about 75-80% of WLTP range. However a lot of people say they are paying much lower per kWh of electricity too, and if you manage to charge with solar then the savings become reasonable. Make sure you don't pay a huge premium for the EV instead of hybrid like most people did before the EV car market collapsed.
- SrsSarcasM on 14/01/2025 - 09:20
  
  +1
  
  The gross error in your calculations is that you don't charge an EV at 30.44 cents/kW. You charge it overnight on an EV plan (or use free power hours to charge it). Overnight EV charging will be at least 50% cheaper than your normal rate.
  
  Companies like Z offer 3 free hours of charging between 3am and 6am, if you buy a high capacity fast charger you can do all of your charging within these 3 hours and pay nothing for your car's electricity.
  
  https://www.moneyhub.co.nz/compare-electric-vehicle-power-pl…
  
  To counteract this, if you are doing long road trips you'll often have to do little top up charges public charge points which are really expensive (usually 50c/kW) so you should factor this in.
- danvelopment on 14/01/2025 - 09:22
  
  +4
  
  Yeah, I made a similar argument on an earlier EV post, I think it was the Mach-E one?
  
  I love EVs, I've had them in the past, and my wife still drives one (looking to sell to buy an Aqua), but RUCs have wrecked the value proposition of EVs to the point where the smaller ones are more expensive to run than a small hybrid.
  
  I also love small cars, so my choices for future cars are either small hybrid or very large EV like an SUV (as that lessens the impact of RUCs as you then compare to the fuel economy of large vehicles).
  
  The only thing I'd point out is that EVs are better calculated on km/kWh or kWh/100km, just like petrol. Makes the comparisons a lot easier to understand and more sensible, and shows your calculations are a bit off.
  
  So the Model Y is reported to offer 15.7kWh/100km (6.37km/kWh), or 3140kWh for 20,000km.
  
  Then you can write it the same,
  "Cost of electricity $0.3044 per kWh x 3140 = $955.82"
  
  So big EVs are still cheaper to run than their fuel equivalents, with all the other EV benefits like little to no maintenance, no noise, and performance, but little EVs are much harder to promote.
  
  You can also produce your fuel at home if you want to, which alters the value again but RUCs are still the majority of cost.
  
  I think the government should be heavily promoting EVs and solar combinations, that way we import once a capital expense and produce our energy within our borders, instead of constantly importing consumables (petrol and diesel), would be a lot better for the economy overall, but instead they're going the opposite direction and discouraging EVs and encouraging energy imports.
  - ace310 on 14/01/2025 - 12:45
    
    -1
    
    Government needs money and that can only be made more by energy company kick backs. So that is obvious they are discouraging EVs. It is for in their best interest and not for the country or people.
  - scott on 15/01/2025 - 17:09
    
    Small EV's with home charging cost about the same to run as an aqua / yaris hybrid (despite the EV paying 2.4x the about of road tax).
    
    This was a big issue when EV's had a big price premium, but these days , you can get a GWM ora for less than a base Yaris or base current gen swift.
  - nevergofullretail on 15/01/2025 - 18:02
    
    Aren't Aquas the most stolen car in NZ?
    - danvelopment on 15/01/2025 - 18:50
      
      I find it really weird that people focus on that.
      
      It's not like you have a 50/50 chance of having your car stolen.
      
      They're also the number one most common car in NZ, so on a pure statistics basis it would make sense that it's also the most stolen.
      
      If anyone is that concerned about it being a problem, though, then get one with an alarm/immobiliser or install one and that's problem solved.
      
      However I can safely say I owned one for three years previously and I wasn't on the phone to the police every four hours reporting my car as missing.
      - scott on 16/01/2025 - 01:37
        
        +1
        
        @danvelopment: Many (all?) insurance companies refuse to aqua's without immobilizers these days.
        
        Even with one, insurance rates are still real high (people break into them and do a bunch of damage before they work out they can't start it due to the immobilizer).
        
        The whole ram raid thing does seem to have cooled off, but still it would be well worth checking out insurance costs before buying an aqua.
        
        danvelopment on 16/01/2025 - 08:44 Comment score below threshold.
        
        scott on 16/01/2025 - 11:41
        
        +2
        
        @danvelopment: If you have the funds to cover any damages (self insure), absolutely you can cut out the insurance companies margin by not purchasing cover.
        
        If you have have nothing to loose, and any significant damages will result in your bankruptcy (which would not have a massive impact on your life), you can be confident you will never have to cover the full cost of large damages, and can also avoid purchasing cover.
        
        I sit in the middle ground. Don't have $1m sitting around to cover damages, if something happens like I have a medical event and result in the write off of a a power transformer / supercar / tour bus… But also have enough financial menas that it would be worth chasing these kind of damages against me through the courts, having a massive impact on my lifestyle.
        
        Quite happy to pay insurance cover (i am just on third party, fire & theft at the moment) to eliminate the above risk.
- GrantBNZ on 14/01/2025 - 11:21
  
  +2
  
  Not sure where you are living, but if you are paying over 30c a kWh off peak, maybe consider switching power company, plan or instead of spending $60k on the car, spend less and get PV.
  
  National seem not be concerned with emissions, so the RUCs is a killer right now; but they announced before elections that all light vehicles are going to road user charges. Not clear when they get introduced, but won't be popular, so suspect they will try and do it after next election if they get back in.
  
  So assuming you have the car more than a few years, look at the costs with the RAV paying RUC, still need petrol/oil and of course servicing costs kick in. In NZ the RAV will probably have lower depreciation than the Tesla, but hard to predict; sooner or later a more progressive government might look at penalizing vehicles that produce emissions
  
  I also think the fuel economy figure and price per litre will vary a bit, but then also price per kWh might also vary; at least some people will have option for home generation via PV
SrsSarcasM on 14/01/2025 - 09:12

+4

Word of warning. My Father in Law has a Polestar and lives in a regional city, every single repair, upgrade or update has to be done by an official dealer which are only in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch.

He's had a couple of mandatory car updates (requiring a recall), as well as some failed parking sensors that needed replacing under warranty, and so he has to make his way to a major city at his own expense to do this. Quite a pain in the ass.

If you already live in or near a major city, not such a big deal.
- nzmax on 15/01/2025 - 23:23
  
  Reliability is one reason I like to stick to Japanese brands like Lexus/Toyota and Mazda. Have owned several European cars and electrical issues have been a problem. I see that Mazda are going to release a new EV called the Mazda 6e, but it appears to be a Chinese joint venture based on a Chinese EV, so not sure what the reliability will be like compared to Mazdas regular Japanese based models.

This was posted 3 months 10 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.