From http://www.stuff.co.nz/4843732a30.html on 11/02/09:

The future of fully electric cars has come a step closer after two
motoring giants introduced their development models with each camp touting
theirs as the superior model.
However, the Automobile Association has advised that neither model has yet
gained a safety rating, a crucial requirement if they are to be driven on
New Zealand roads.
Hyundai's Electrons Hyundai Getz model, retrofitted with batteries and an
electric motor, was officially introduced yesterday, two hours before a
prototype Mitsubishi iMiEV was unveiled at Wellington's Karori Sanctuary.
Both vehicles can be charged at a normal power point, can travel between
120km and 160km on one charge, and reach 130kmh.
AA general manager of technical services Stella Stocks said yesterday that
it was keeping a "watching brief" on the introduction of electric cars.
"Our main concern is for their safety," she said. "The biggest question
will always be what is its safety rating?"
Ms Stocks said electric cars weighed significantly less than conventional
cars, were quiet and therefore a risk to pedestrians. Frontal impact
safety of the cars had not been tested.
Mitsubishi NZ managing director John Leighton said his firm's cars would
probably go on sale to the public next year. Their price was yet to be
set.
"As with any new technology, it will be more expensive in the beginning,"
he said.
However, Meridian Energy electric vehicle programme leader K-J Dillon said
the only extra cost to the motorist was "about the price of a cup of
coffee" for each car charge.
Most users would need to charge their electric car only a couple of times
a week.
Hyundai Motors NZ executive director Philip Eustace said three Electrons
had been sold before yesterday's official introduction one last year to a
private owner and the other two to a "a major energy company" that he
would not name.
The vehicles were not yet in full production but once they were, Hyundai
hoped to sell models for $45,000 to $50,000.
Mitsubishi iMiEV
Capacity: Four adults
Cost: About 'the price of a cup of coffee' each charge (about seven hours)
and most users would need to charge only a couple of times a week.
Max speed: 130kmh
Range: 160km
Hyundai's Electrons Hyundai Getz
Capacity: Four adults
Cost: A full charge takes nine hours and costs about the same as running a
fridge over that time ($100 a year, according to the Energywise website).
Max speed: 120kmh
Range: 120km