There’s never been a better time to buy an electric car in New Zealand. For many households, reducing their reliance on petrol isn’t just a win for the environment – it’s also a great way to save money at the pump.
While prices of electric vehicles are coming down, buying a new vehicle isn’t for everyone. Fortunately, New Zealand’s second-hand EV market is growing. As our national fleet grows, so too does the second-hand EV market, offering more variety and better value than ever.
If you’re looking for a pre-owned EV, there are a few things to look for before you buy. Our guide covers the best second-hand electric cars in New Zealand and what to look for to ensure you’re getting a great deal.
The second-hand electric car market differs quite a bit when compared to new EVs currently trending. While you’ll see a lot of Teslas and BYDs making the headlines for new sales, the second-hand market trends heavily towards just a few models.
The Leaf remains the most common EV in New Zealand. It’s responsible for most second-hand imports, and if you’re shopping, you’ll see thousands of these for sale. This is not a bad thing. They’re a solid, affordable car that can run for years like a dream.
@redriven 3 GOOD things and 3 BAD things about a USED Tesla Model 3! #fyp #fypシ #carsoftiktok #cars #usedcars #elon #elonmusk #ev #tesla #teslamodel3 #teslamodel3 ♬ Chill Vibes - Tollan Kim
Original 2019–2022 Model 3s are much more common on the second-hand market in New Zealand. After the Nissan Leaf, they’re the most popular-selling used import. You can now find these for under NZ$35,000, making them incredible value for the tech you get.
The early 2021–2023 MG ZS EVs are very common on TradeMe. Since MG has released newer models (like the S5 and MG4), the older ZS models have become some of the most affordable electric SUVs on the used market.
The original IONIQ Electric 28kWh and 38kWh versions are a cult favourite in NZ. They are famous for being incredibly efficient with electricity. The 2017–2019 models are considered an ideal city or commuting car and are worth looking out for on the second-hand market.
The Kona was one of the first long-range EV vehicles on offer in New Zealand, with distances of 450km+. Models from the 2019–2022 range are still going strong.
Because BYD sold so many Atto 3s in 2023 and 2024, they’re now coming onto the second-hand market. They hold their value well due to their battery technology, which is known for being durable.
Buying a second-hand vehicle is different for a few reasons. While there’s more range than ever (with ten years or more of stock to choose from), rising petrol prices also make this space a lot more competitive.
The most important thing you can do is to research the make and model you want to buy and avoid making any FOMO-driven decisions.
While buying an EV can save you money at the pump, you still need to do the maths before buying a vehicle. Here are some things you should factor in:
While there are lots of parts of a second-hand vehicle you should check, in the EV world, battery health is everything.
Before you buy an EV, make sure you check the State of Health score. This is a percentage of the battery's original capacity.
You’ll rarely find this on the second-hand market. It usually indicates a near-new car or one that has had a very recent battery replacement.
The battery has aged slightly, but performs extremely well. You’re not likely to save heaps on a second-hand car in this condition, but it may save you a few thousand off the purchase price.
Very common for cars a few years old. You might notice a tiny dip in total range compared to the factory specs. This is a perfectly acceptable condition for a second-hand EV.
While there is some clear degradation, most older EVs are still considered perfectly reliable in this bracket. This is a great sweet spot for finding a bargain.
SOH scores below 80% means that the EV’s battery is nearing the end of its life, and the manufacturer's original warranties begin to kick in.
Tip: If you’re buying from a private seller and they can't provide the SoH, you can get a diagnostic check from a specialist for around NZ$195.
Secondary to doing that maths, you should also evaluate your home setup, as it can make charging an EV a lot easier.
Most EVs come with a Level 1 cable that plugs into any standard wall socket. This adds about 8km of range per hour – plenty for an overnight charge if you drive less than 50km a day. If you’re commuting a little further, you may want to invest in an at-home wall charger.
Tip: Budget around NZ$1,500–NZ$2,500 for the unit and installation by a qualified electrician.
Although electric cars have fewer moving parts than other vehicles, any second-hand car needs a thorough check over.
Ask the seller if you can take it for a pre-purchase inspection. There, a mechanic will check it over to make sure the tyres, brakes, suspension, and other components are all up to scratch.
One of the best ways to learn about the pros and cons of specific models is to hear from the people who drive them every day. Reddit Threads and Facebook Groups are a great way to learn about different types of EVs and have your questions answered.
The EV Owners NZ Facebook Group is a great way to hear from owners about a wide range of models. It’s a good place to learn about what EV drivers love about their cars and what cars may come with additional problems.
Tip: Once you’ve learnt a bit more about different makes and models, it's worth joining a Facebook group for that specific car type – e.g., the NZ Nissan Leaf Owners Group will tell you a lot about what it’s like to own and maintain this make of EV.
Buying the right EV is one thing – getting it home safely is another. Whether you’ve found a great deal on a Nissan Leaf in another city or a Tesla Model 3 across the country, transport can quickly become the most complicated part of the process. But not when you have Wise Move on your side.
With Wise Move, you can book an affordable and trusted car transport service and have your EV delivered door-to-door. No long drives, no charging stress – just a simple, reliable way to move your new car.
