Govt announces Clean Car Package to drive down emissions by increasing uptake of low-emission vehicles

The Government is taking action to increase the uptake of low-emission cars by implementing rebates for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

In a press release on Sunday morning, the Government announced its Clean Car Package, in line with the advice of the Climate Change Commission, to drive down New Zealand’s emissions. The package includes a range of measures to help New Zealand meet its 2050 carbon neutral target.

The country is “playing catch up internationally” due to our lower uptake of electric vehicles (EVs), Transport Minister Michael Wood said on Sunday. New Zealand’s monthly registrations of EVs are around half the global average – and sales are well below the 50 percent of monthly purchases seen in some European countries.

He noted the Government has already committed to policies that will make a difference to New Zealand’s transport emissions, including the Clean Car Import Standard, decarbonising the public transport bus fleet, and revitalising rail – “but we have to do more”.

“A discount on electric, hybrid and low-emission vehicles, funded from a fee on higher-emitting ones, is the best policy to increase low-emissions vehicle uptake in New Zealand,” he continued.

“It’s a common policy overseas, a recommendation of both the Climate Commission and the Productivity Commission, and is supported by the likes of the Motor Industry Association – it’s time to get moving with it.”