Used Cars for Sale NZ: Top Electric Brands Guide | AJ Motors

Used Electric Cars for Sale: Which Brands to Buy in New Zealand

The market for used cars for sale in New Zealand has transformed dramatically. Electric vehicles are no longer a niche pick in Aotearoa's automotive market—supply is stronger, models suit our roads and lifestyles, and the used market has opened the door for buyers who want lower running costs without the upfront hit. With hundreds of public chargers dotted from Kaitaia to Bluff and more quality used cars for sale entering the market every quarter, choosing the right brand is the real decision. Pick the badge well, and the rest falls into place.

This guide highlights the strongest electric car brands for used cars for sale in New Zealand in 2025, covering both new and second-hand buyers, including car finance options. It blends performance facts, real-world ownership, and local considerations like charging standards, right-hand-drive imports, and road user charges.

What makes a brand stand out in New Zealand

A good EV brand for Kiwi buyers is more than a big battery or a quick 0 to 100. It needs to fit our mix of urban commutes, rural kilometres, holidays with roof boxes, and the occasional gravel road.

Key criteria to weigh up:

• Range that matches your routes: WLTP is useful, but look for owner-reported range too
• Charging speed and port type: CCS2 is standard for newer models, CHAdeMO is common on older imports
• Reliability and battery thermal management: liquid cooling tends to age better than passive air systems
• Aftercare and warranty: local parts, service centres, and solid battery cover
• Safety: ANCAP five stars where possible
• Value in the used market: depreciation curve and supply of ex-lease stock
• Tech and software: over-the-air updates, driver assistance, navigation that knows real chargers
• Towing and practicality: tow ratings, roof rails, boot space, and heat pump efficiency in winter

A quick refresher on EV types

Electric comes in three main flavours in New Zealand, each with upsides and trade-offs.

Hybrid electric vehicles

• Petrol engine plus a small battery that assists
• No plug needed and easy ownership
• Lower fuel use than pure petrol models
• Still burns fuel and has more moving parts than a BEV

Best for: simple, low-stress motoring with fewer fill-ups, though not a full switch to electric.

Plug-in hybrids

• Battery-first driving with a petrol engine as backup
• Home charging keeps costs down for daily use
• Great for mixed city and highway driving
• Heavier than a normal hybrid, efficiency drops once the battery is empty

Best for: drivers who want electric most days yet need long-range flexibility.

Battery electric vehicles

• Fully electric, no tailpipe emissions
• Lowest running costs and fewer parts to service
• Needs a plug at home or reliable access to public charging

Best for: most commuters and families, and now a growing number of road-trippers too.

Charging options:

• Level 1: standard wall socket, very slow, handy overnight
• Level 2: wallbox at home or public AC, much faster
• DC fast charging: quick top-ups on the road, often 20 to 40 minutes from low to 80 percent

New Zealand now has hundreds of public charging locations across the country, with many hotels, motels and holiday parks offering guest chargers. Networks such as ChargeNet, bp/Amps and Z Energy continue to expand, so availability improves every month.

The standout brands for 2025

Tesla

Still the benchmark for charging speed, software, and resale. Model 3 and Model Y dominate city streets and state highways alike, and the Supercharger network remains the easiest long-trip solution. Build quality has improved on recent cars, and over-the-air updates keep features refreshed. Used stock is strong, including early Model 3 examples at sharp prices. Tow ratings and roof rack options suit family road trips. Owners rate the efficiency highly in winter if you use the heat pump models.

Who it suits: frequent travellers, tech-focused buyers, and anyone who values a hassle-free charging experience.

BYD

BYD turned the market on its head with sharp pricing, long-range LFP batteries, and well-equipped cabins. The Atto 3 is common in the suburbs, the Dolphin hits a sweet spot for city runners, and Seal caters to buyers who want sleek styling with strong efficiency. LFP chemistry is battery-friendly for daily charging to 100 percent, and driver aids are solid for the price. Service coverage has grown, and ex-demo cars often represent excellent buying.

Who it suits: value hunters who want modern tech without a premium sticker.

MG

MG’s MG4 changed the game for entry-level BEVs, offering balanced handling, smart packaging, and a price that pulled many buyers out of petrol hatches. The ZS EV remains a popular compact SUV option with simple controls and easy city manners. Plenty of second-hand examples flow from fleets into the market, which helps keep prices realistic.

Who it suits: first-time EV buyers and families wanting a practical runabout with low costs.

Hyundai

Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 bring 800-volt charging, confident range, and very refined driving. Early Ioniq hatches still make cracking used buys for frugal commuters. The brand’s approach to safety and cabin ergonomics is consistently strong. Owners appreciate the ride comfort and intuitive controls, and dealer support is well entrenched nationwide.

Who it suits: drivers who want a premium feel without a luxury badge, with quick DC charging for highway use.

Kia

EV6 and EV9 cover both sporty and family needs. EV6 is a dynamic all-rounder with fast charging and strong highway manners. EV9 gives large families a credible electric alternative with three rows and real towing ability. Kia’s warranty and dealer network bring peace of mind. A wave of ex-demonstrator and ex-press automotive cars helps with supply on the used side.

Who it suits: families and drivers who prioritise comfort, range, and long trips.

Mitsubishi

While not a BEV brand first, Mitsubishi deserves its spot for the Outlander PHEV. It remains the best all-round plug-in hybrid for Kiwi life, with genuine EV range for school runs and the flexibility of petrol for holidays. Towing and roof capacity are good, and the tech is polished. Ex-lease stock is common and usually well maintained.

Who it suits: households not ready for full electric but keen to slash fuel spend.

Nissan

The Leaf opened the door for second-hand EVs in New Zealand and remains the most common used import. Later 40 kWh and 62 kWh cars are the picks, and prices are competitive. Note the CHAdeMO fast charge port and air-cooled battery on many variants. Check State of Health carefully and favour tidy, low-degradation examples. Nissan’s Ariya lifts the game, though supply has been limited.

Who it suits: buyers who value low purchase price and straightforward city driving.

Polestar

A refined take on Scandinavian minimalism with strong safety credentials. Polestar 2 is mature now, with improved efficiency and cleaner software than early builds. Performance versions are lively without sacrificing comfort. The brand leans into sustainable materials and clear communication about battery life. Used stock is slowly building.

Who it suits: design-led buyers who want premium quality without going full luxury.

BMW and Mercedes-Benz

Premium brands have lifted their electric offerings. BMW’s i4 and iX are quietly quick, and efficiency is better than many expect. Mercedes EQB and EQE bring comfort, safety and a gentle learning curve for first-time EV owners. Ownership costs are higher, yet finance options and depreciation can make second-hand examples surprisingly approachable after a few years.

Who it suits: drivers who want refined cabins, advanced assistance features, and dealership polish.

GWM Ora and LDV

Two names worth a look for sharp pricing and niche needs. GWM’s Ora is a characterful city car with a handy warranty. LDV’s electric vans suit tradies and small businesses who do predictable daily kilometres and want to trim running costs.

Who it suits: budget-focused urban buyers and businesses seeking lower total cost of ownership.

Quick brand comparison

Prices and ranges vary by trim and year. Figures below are indicative for popular variants and typical used examples in early 2025.

Notes:

• Ranges vary by wheel size, climate, and driving style
• Used prices depend on mileage, import grade, and battery health

The second-hand sweet spot

Buying used, including used cars, can be the smartest way into electric, with depreciation doing the heavy lifting. The best second-hand options in 2025:

• Tesla Model 3 2019 to 2021: strong range, fast charging, active owner community
• Hyundai Ioniq Electric 28/38: unmatched efficiency and reliability, modest range but perfect for city and short highway runs
• Kia Niro EV and Hyundai Kona Electric 64: practical, reliable, plenty of range for weekend trips
• BYD Atto 3 2022 to 2023: lots of features for the money, LFP battery is robust
• MG ZS EV and MG4: affordable family options with growing parts and service support
• Nissan Leaf 40/62: best value under 20k to 30k, ideal as a second car or urban commuter

Keep an eye out for ex-lease cars. They often have full service histories and tidy battery care, and many still carry part of the factory warranty.

Charging at home and on the road

Most owners charge at home overnight using automatic systems. A standard wall socket works, though a dedicated wallbox gives safer, faster top-ups and smart timers for low overnight power rates.

Typical costs:

• Home charging: roughly 2 to 4 dollars per 100 km on off-peak power
• Public AC: a little more than home, billed per kWh or minute
• DC fast charging: the most expensive option, best for road trips

Since 2024, electric vehicles pay road user charges. Budget for that alongside electricity. Even with RUC, many owners land around 4 to 7 dollars per 100 km in total energy and RUC spend, which still undercuts most petrol cars.

Pro tip: set an 80 percent daily charge limit for NMC batteries and save 100 percent for trips. LFP packs can sit at 100 percent daily without stress. Check your owner’s manual to be sure.

What to check before buying a used EV

A careful inspection pays off. Bring a scan tool or ask a specialist to run through the automotive systems of the car.

Checklist:

• Battery State of Health: target 85 percent or higher on most cars, and look for steady readings over time
• Thermal system: liquid cooled packs age better than passive air-cooled, especially for frequent DC charging
• Charge ports: CCS2 is now standard in NZ, CHAdeMO needs the matching fast chargers
• Onboard charger: 7 kW vs 11 kW affects home and workplace AC charging times
• DC charging history: heavy fast charging may slow future rates on some models
• Warranty: find out what remains on the battery and whether it transfers to the next owner
• Software: ensure navigation, cameras, and driver aids are up to date
• Tyres and brakes: EVs are heavier, so tyres and pads can be a bigger line item
• Import grade and language settings: check NZ maps and radio bands on JDM imports
• Recalls and service bulletins: verify these have been done

A short highway drive reveals efficiency and alignment. A DC fast charge test at a public station can confirm healthy charging curves.

New Zealand realities to factor in

• Climate and terrain: long hills, cold mornings, and headwinds can trim range, so leave a buffer for weekend missions
• Towing: check the tow rating of your exact trim, and watch range when towing
• Roof boxes and bike racks: expect higher energy use at motorway speeds
• Charging etiquette: move on when you hit 80 percent at DC chargers during busy periods
• AC plugs at accommodations: book ahead and bring your cable, including a Type 2 to Type 2 lead for many wallboxes

Ownership costs and policy

• Road user charges apply to EVs and PHEVs, so plan for that in your finance budget.
• No national purchase rebate in 2025, which places more weight on choosing brands with strong resale
• Insurance for EVs is usually similar to comparable petrol cars, though windscreens and tech options can raise premiums
• Servicing is simpler: cabin filter, brake fluid, tyres, and software checks. No oil changes

Resale depends on brand trust, battery health, and charging convenience. Brands with fast charging and broad service networks tend to hold value better.

Which brand is right for you

Match your daily life to the brand’s strengths.

• Mostly city, short trips: MG, BYD, Nissan Leaf, GWM Ora
• City plus regular highway runs: Tesla, Hyundai, Kia, Polestar
• Family workhorse with towing: Kia EV9, Tesla Model Y Long Range, Hyundai Ioniq 5
• Business use or trades: LDV electric vans, Nissan Leaf for low-cost deliveries
• Not ready for full electric: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

If you are buying used car, look for models with healthy supply in New Zealand. That keeps parts easy to source and widens the pool of technicians who know the cars well.

Practical examples by budget

• Under 20k: Nissan Leaf 24 to 30 kWh for short commutes. Aim for tidy batteries, 8 to 10 bars or better on older packs
• 20k to 35k: Leaf 40 or 62, Hyundai Ioniq 28, early Kona Electric, MG ZS EV first-gen
• 35k to 50k: Tesla Model 3 2019 to 2021, MG4, BYD Dolphin or early Atto 3, Kia Niro EV
• 50k to 70k: Hyundai Ioniq 5 72 to 77 kWh, Kia EV6 base trims, newer Model Y RWD
• 70k plus: Premium long-range choices like Polestar 2 Long Range, BMW i4, Kia EV9 for big families

Tips for smarter charging

• Use scheduled charging to start after 9 pm if your power plan is cheaper off-peak
• Precondition the cabin while plugged in on cold mornings to protect range
• Keep tyres at the recommended pressure for efficiency and even wear
• Learn your local charging map before a road trip, and have at least two networks’ apps on your phone
• Share the charger: if someone is waiting, unplug at 80 percent and top up at your destination

A word on software and safety

Electric cars are rolling computers. Strong brands treat software as a core feature:

• Regular over-the-air updates that add features and squash bugs
• Reliable driver assistance that acts naturally and can be switched off easily
• Charger mapping that knows live availability and can precondition the battery for fast charging

Safety is non-negotiable. Aim for five-star ANCAP ratings and check for centre airbag coverage, active lane support, and robust crash test results.

Bringing it all together

New Zealand buyers have never had more capable electric choices, whether buying new or hunting for a second-hand gem, especially those looking for used cars. Tesla remains the all-rounder for charging and software, BYD and MG prove that value can sit alongside solid tech, Hyundai and Kia deliver maturity and fast charging, and established premium brands now offer quiet, long-legged alternatives that handle our roads with ease. The second-hand market fills every budget tier with practical, reliable options.

Choose based on your routes, charging access, and how much you value tech and long-trip ease. Get the battery checked, plan your home charging, and enjoy the simple pleasure of leaving the petrol station in your rear-view mirror.

Whether you’re hunting for your first car, upgrading the family vehicle, or searching for a second-hand gem that won’t let you down, AJ Motors has you covered.
We handpick reliable used cars from trusted brands across New Zealand, offer tailored finance with 0% deposit, and back every purchase with friendly, professional support.
Wherever you are in the country, our team can help you drive away with confidence — and a deal that truly fits your life.

Buy good motors at AJ Motors — where reliability meets real value.