The Clean Car rebate scheme has exceeded expectations by already reaching 12,000 approved rebates, says transport minister Michael Wood.
“The Clean Car Discount scheme is off to an electric start, helping to get more Kiwis behind the wheel of cheaper electric vehicles,” he adds.
The rebate provides a maximum $8625 for low and zero emission new and used imports.
“The climate emergency we face is a challenge we cannot postpone, and I’m excited and encouraged to see Kiwis making the most of the Clean Car rebate to help play an active role in cutting emissions and reaching our climate targets,” says Wood.
“Today’s milestone means that electric and hybrids vehicles now make up around 1% of Aotearoa’s light-vehicle fleet.
“This is a promising start, but we need to keep building on this momentum. As demand for electric and hybrid vehicles grows worldwide, Aotearoa needs to be an active participant in this market and avoid being in a position where we are the dumping ground for high-emitting vehicles from other countries moving ahead in the decarbonisation of their fleet.”
Wood expects the low emission vehicle uptake to rachet up a gear, with rebates now available to a wider range of used and new fuel efficient, hybrid and electric vehicles.
“This extension will help even more Kiwis to make the change to more efficient vehicles, and reduce the pain they feel at the pump as we navigate a global energy crisis,” Wood explains.
“I’m looking forward to seeing more and more electric and hybrid vehicles on the road.”
Motorists can get more information at www.rightcar.govt.nz, including the level of rebate that they can receive, or fee that a more polluting vehicle may attract.
The Clean Car rebate programme came into force on July 1, 2021, and about $76.8 million has been provided in the form of rebates for the purchase of 12,000 vehicles.
Consumers seeking a rebate on a car they have bought, or wanting more information on how the scheme works, should visit www.nzta.govt.nz/cleancar for details.
