Reliable, easy-to-understand EV information for everyday drivers and industry professionals in Australasia.
EVDB NZ is a comprehensive electric vehicle database and comparison platform founded in 2021 by James Foster. The site began as a small project providing information on the handful of fully electric vehicles then available in New Zealand and has grown into the country's most detailed independent EV resource, covering 83+ models and 193+ variants with curated specifications, pricing, and market insights. The platform offers a suite of calculators including a dedicated RUC calculator (ruc.evdb.nz) launched in response to the April 2024 introduction of Road User Charges for EVs and PHEVs, an ICE vs EV running cost calculator that lets users compare any combustion vehicle (searched by plate) with any EV model, and a home charging time calculator. EVDB also provides EV market share data, bestselling model rankings, and curated lists covering cheapest EVs, fastest acceleration, range-vs-price, towing capacity, V2L capability, and more. All written content and data is human-curated, researched, reviewed, and authored. The platform expanded to serve the Australian market through evdbau.com and offers data services to industry clients to help cover operational costs.
Comprehensive database of all EVs available in New Zealand with detailed specifications, pricing, range data, and curated lists (cheapest, fastest, best range-vs-price, towing, V2L, LFP batteries, charging speed).
Dedicated Road User Charges calculator for EV and PHEV owners. Calculates annual RUC costs based on vehicle type and estimated driving distance, using current NZTA rates ($76/1000km for EVs, $38/1000km for PHEVs).
Compares day-to-day running costs of an internal combustion engine vehicle (searched by plate) against any EV model. Factors in fuel costs, electricity costs, public charging costs, and WLTP consumption data.
Calculates estimated time and cost to charge an EV at home in New Zealand based on vehicle model, charger type, and electricity price.
Market share trends, bestselling EV models, pricing analysis, and registration data for the New Zealand EV market. Available as public dashboard and commercial data services.
Provides EV datasets, model specifications, and market data to interested parties and industry clients. Helps cover operational costs of maintaining the database.
Founded by James Foster as a small project providing information on the then-limited range of fully electric vehicles available in New Zealand.
Expanded EV comparison database with detailed specifications, pricing data, and curated lists for the New Zealand market.
Launched ICE vs EV Running Cost Calculator and EV market share tracking. James Foster featured on Interest.co.nz and EV Quest podcast discussing EV market trends.
Launched dedicated RUC calculator at ruc.evdb.nz following the April 1 introduction of Road User Charges for EVs ($76/1000km) and PHEVs ($38/1000km). Expanded to Australian market with evdbau.com.
Platform covers 83+ EV models and 193+ variants. Continued expansion of data services and market insights offerings.
Founder
Creator and operator of EVDB NZ. Maintains all EV data, market analysis, and platform development. Regularly cited in NZ media on EV market trends.
EVDB NZ operates a dedicated RUC calculator at ruc.evdb.nz, launched in 2024 when Road User Charges were introduced for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The calculator helps EV and PHEV owners estimate their annual RUC liability based on vehicle type and driving distance. The broader EVDB platform also factors RUC costs into its ICE vs EV running cost comparisons, giving prospective EV buyers a realistic picture of total operating costs including the new distance-based charges.
EVDB.nz became a regularly cited source in New Zealand media for EV market analysis, with founder James Foster contributing commentary to interest.co.nz, CleanTechnica, and the EV Quest podcast. Foster provided analysis on the dramatic drop in EV uptake following the Clean Car Discount's abolition.
