Hybrids vs EVs
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There are only two valid reasons to buy an EV in New Zealand(Given Money is no issue):
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1. You want a Toy
EVs deliver instant torque and rapid acceleration, outperforming many petrol cars. With no gear shifts, power delivery is seamless, making for a thrilling and smooth ride.
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2. You only care about Carbon Footprint(not the environment necessarily)
With 85% of New Zealand’s electricity coming from renewables like hydro and wind, EVs run on cleaner energy than in most countries. While battery production has an impact, the overall emissions are lower than petrol or hybrid vehicles.
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There are countless reasons not to buy an EV if compare with Hybrids, especially when ownership cost is your concern.
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1. Upfront Cost
Hybrid Advantage – Used hybrids(Why Used?), especially Toyota and Lexus models, are significantly cheaper than EVs. Even new hybrids are more affordable than most EVs, making them a better budget-friendly option.
EV Disadvantage – EVs have a higher initial purchase price, though government incentives can help offset costs. However, price parity with hybrids is still a long way off.
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3. Repair & Maintenance Costs
Hybrid Advantage – Widespread serviceability means that most mechanics can handle hybrid repairs, and parts are generally more available and affordable.
EV Disadvantage – EVs require specialized knowledge, and repairs often need dealer-authorized workshops, making service more expensive and less accessible.
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4. Battery Replacement Costs
Hybrid Advantage – Hybrid batteries last a long time (often over 300,000 km) and are much much cheaper to replace than EV batteries.
EV Disadvantage – EV battery replacement is one of the biggest ownership costs, often costing tens of thousands, depending on the model. As batteries degrade over time, range decreases, impacting resale value and usability.
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5. Fuel Cost vs. Road User Charges (RUC)
Hybrid Advantage Hybrids do not incur RUC fees and offer better fuel efficiency than petrol cars, keeping running costs relatively low. The overall cost difference compared to EVs' RUC remains minimal.
EV Consideration As of April 1, 2024, EV owners must pay RUC at $76 per 1,000 km, adding to their ongoing expenses.
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6. Resale Value – The Ultimate Final Straw
Let’s play a game called "How Much Would You Pay for It?"
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Original Purchase price for a Toyota hybrid in mint condition: $30,000
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Original Purchase price for an EV: $55,000
Now, fast forward:
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10 years, 50,000 km later OR
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5 years, 100,000 km later
How much would you realistically pay for each?
Take that number and subtract it from the original purchase price. That’s how much you’ll lose.
More importantly, would you even risk owning a car with a 10-year-old or 100,000 km battery at all?
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Let's say money is no issue... yet the list is still getting longer
7. EV Charging – It's a Massive Pain
EV charging is a drag. Even with fast chargers, you're still waiting 30 minutes or more just to get a decent charge. Meanwhile, a regular gas car is back on the road in 5 minutes. Let’s be real – if you need to go anywhere beyond your neighborhood, EVs are annoying.
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8. EV Infrastructure in NZ – A Total Joke
NZ’s charging infrastructure? It’s a mess. Sure, you’ve got a handful of chargers in the cities, but good luck if you want to take your EV out of Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch. Finding a charger in the middle of nowhere? Forget it. And building a nationwide network of chargers? It’s going to be a massive project—one that New Zealand isn’t even remotely ready for. Just look at how long it takes for roadworks to get done in this country. If it takes years to build a simple highway, how long do you think it’ll take to set up a national charging network?
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9. EV Fire Challenge – We are not ready for
While EVs come with sophisticated warning systems to keep passengers safe, once an EV catches fire, all bets are off. The thermal runaway reaction in the batteries doesn’t need oxygen to keep burning, which makes it a nightmare for fire departments. Unlike gas car fires, which can be controlled by cutting off the oxygen supply, EV battery fires just keep burning hotter and faster. The temperature gets so high it’s almost impossible to manage. The severity of these fires isn't something fire department in New Zealand are ready for.
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10. EV Recycling – A Headache Waiting to Happen
Now let’s talk about what happens when your EV’s life is over. Handling the hazardous high-voltage systems in these cars is a nightmare. To make matters worse, NZ doesn’t have the facilities or the expertise to safely process EV batteries. After events like Cyclone Gabrielle, insurance companies are burying these cars instead of recycling them, simply because it’s easier than dealing with the mess. EV batteries are a huge headache to process, and NZ doesn’t have the infrastructure to handle them safely.
Conclusion
Let’s face it: until there are breakthroughs in battery range, charging speed, and fire safety, plus New Zealand decides to go all-in on infrastructure, EVs are just not ready for the masses. Until then, the hybrid is the true green way to go. More range, quicker refueling, and far less hassle.
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