New Zealand's most popular EV maker slashes prices again

Monday, 3 July 2023

The Tesla Model 3 has been cut to $62,500 before on-roads and the Clean Car Discount rebate, its lowest sticker price ever.

Tesla has dropped the price of its two New Zealand models for the fifth time this year as the Clean Car Discount (CCD) adjustments kick in.

The standard rear-drive Model 3 is now just $62,500 before on-roads ($64,587 after) and the $7015 CCD rebate, meaning it drops to $57,572 after the first registration.

The Model Y has also benefited from a price drop, going to $62,572 when including on-roads and the CCD rebate.

Also changed is the dual-motor Performance Model 3, which has gone from $95,900 to 93,900.

Top ten best selling vehicles in NZ - May 2023

Tesla has also dropped the price of the entry Model Y to $67,500 before on-roads ($69,587 drive-away), turning it into a $62,572 EV with the new rebate. The Performance Model Y is now $97,500, from $100,900.

These price cuts bring Tesla right in line with the likes of MG and BYD, the Model 3 being cheaper than the upcoming $63,990 MG4 Long Range.

Meanwhile, the BYD Atto 3 Extended model asks $62,490 and the MG ZS EV Long Range starts at $64,990, both within shouting distance of the Model Y.

It pays to mention the Chinese brands both offer less expensive models as well.

The price cuts come in time with an expected bump in EV sales owing to the adjusted CCD rebates coming into play on July 1. Tesla has been tussling with BYD for the sales lead all year, with May registration figures showing Tesla at 1604 units sold for 2023 to date and BYD at 1396. We’re expecting updated June figures to land sometime today.