NZ has announced rebates for EVs / Electric Cars. This is referred to as the Clean Car Discount Program
Last week the New Zealand Government announced that Electric Vehicles would be receiving rebates in order to make EVs cheaper to buy. This is referred to as the Clean Car Discounts Scheme. To offset this rebate, some new and imported petrol and diesel vehicles would be charged a new levy. This will make them more expensive to buy. This new Clear Air Program will hopefully speed up the process of transitioning New Zealand to an electric car fleet.
The Clean Air discounts apply to Electric Cars and PHEVs. Electric Cars can get up to a $8625 rebate for a new one, and up to $3450 for a used imported Electric Car. This rebate depends on the model and price of the electric cars. However the value of the car can't exceed $80,000, which means most of the higher priced electric vehicles do not qualify.
The Tesla Model 3 base model does currently qualify for the Clean Air Discount, as it is under $80,000. However it is widely regarded as a luxury car with many luxury features. We have a list of most of the electric vehicles / electric cars currently for sale in New Zealand. This can be viewed here.
[View Electric Cars / EVs Currently Being Sold in NZ]
These EV rebates have however been a little controversial. Some people see it as a tax on 'Tradies' who usually buy utes and trucks for work, who will end up paying more for their vehicle. Part of the problem is that there are currently no electric utes for sale in New Zealand, and when they do come in, they are likely to be very expensive. So 'Tradies' don't really have any 'Clean Car' option at this stage.
The other controversial point is that many of the people who are currently buying EVs can be financially well off. Often people who are buying a car up to $80,000 are very well off and can afford to buy such a car without the help of the Clean Air Discount.
Currently only about 2% of monthly registrations in New Zealand have been for electric vehicles. This is well below the world average. As of
writing this, there are only about 21,000 light EVs registered in New
Zealand, which is very low and part of the problem is their high cost.
The Clean Car Discounts will be offered for eligible qualifying vehicles from 1 July 2021. People should check to see if there chosen Electric Car will qualify for the Clean Car Discount.
Please visit the NZTA website for more information about the Clean Car Program and Clean Car Discounts. The NZTA website will also be updated as more information about the Clean Car Discount scheme as it is released.
[View Electric Cars / EVs Currently Being Sold in NZ]
Photo credit - by Mike from Pexels
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