Familiarity with EVs: Drivers in New Zealand are familiar with electrified vehicles^{Forget flowers one}, with most respondents classifying them as being ‘fun to drive’, ‘cool’, ‘sporty’ and even ‘easy to own’. More than 40 per cent of respondents said they’d ridden in an electric vehicle^{Forget flowers three} with 27 per cent claiming to have driven one.

Favourable for Business: The majority of respondents agreed they would be ‘more likely’ to support businesses using electric vehicles^{Forget flowers three}

Sharing the Ride: Kiwis would rather choose an electric vehicle^{Forget flowers three} to provide ride sharing, and that they would prefer an electric vehicle^{Forget flowers three} for their daily commute.

Perceived benefit: Saving money by not buying fuel was rated as a top benefit of owning an electric vehicle^{Forget flowers three}, but many believe maintenance costs for electrified vehicles^{Forget flowers one} are higher in the long run.

Preferred electrified vehicle^{Forget flowers one} type: When it comes to the type of vehicle those surveyed are considering, hybrid vehicles came out on top, followed by ICE vehicles and then plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. 

Love connection: If you’re looking for love then you can forget roses, because more than half of the respondents said they would be ‘more likely’ to date someone who drove an electric vehicle^{Forget flowers three}.

Plugging in: Most New Zealand respondents were only aware of a ‘few’ charging stations within 20 kilometres of their home. The majority said that supermarkets and shopping centres would be best for public charging, followed by a service station and then recreation facility.

Myth-conceptions: But there are still ‘myth-conceptions’ giving some potential buyers pause for thought. For instance, nearly half of respondents believe charging an electrified vehicle^{Forget flowers one} at home is as expensive as filling up a gasoline-powered vehicle.

Looking for capability: Almost 50 per cent of New Zealanders surveyed said they would be ‘more likely’ to purchase an electric vehicle^{Forget flowers three} with ‘greater’ towing capacity, while 32 per cent are looking for their first electric vehicle^{Forget flowers three} to be off-road capable. And there are still concerns that an electric vehicle^{Forget flowers three} can’t carry as much luggage/payload as an equivalent vehicle with an internal combustion engine.

“This research tells us people are keen to make the switch from pump to plug, but in some cases are looking for vehicles offering uncompromised towing, load carrying, and off-road capability,” said Annaliese Atina, Ford New Zealand Managing Director.

This is why Ford New Zealand is adding the Ranger PHEV to its electrified vehicle^{Forget flowers one} lineup in 2025. Pairing a powerful 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine with an electric motor and rechargeable battery system, the Ranger PHEV boasts all the features Kiwis expect from the Ford Ranger, with significantly reduced emissions, improved fuel economy and the game-changing Pro Power Onboard.

“Despite the growing popularity of EVs and the greater understanding of them that car buyers have, it’s clear there are still some misunderstandings in our market,” said Atina.

“Ford in New Zealand is confident the Mustang Mach-E will win over customers once they get behind the wheel. We also looking forward to introducing the Ranger PHEV in 2025, which will deliver all the benefits of Ranger, including towing, off-road capability, load carrying, and more.”

Ford will continue to develop its electrified vehicle^{Forget flowers one} future by leveraging iconic models like the Mustang Mach-E, E-Transit and Ranger PHEV. In addition to offering electrified versions of its most popular vehicles, the company is harnessing electrification to deliver more of what customers love about them: performance, capability, and productivity.

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About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company's Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough electric vehicles along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 175,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.