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Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has noted that the Clean Car Discount scheme is significantly boosting the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and is greatly contributing to the nation’s climate goals. “In September we passed the 150,000 milestone, with 156,000 rebates paid to EV and hybrid customers since July 2021, when the scheme started. Electrified vehicles now make up more than half of all new vehicles and used imports registered in New Zealand,” he said.
The upsurge has been kick-started by the Clean Car Discount policy, which is aiding New Zealand in its gradual reduction of climate emissions. The climate benefits are clear: average emissions from newly registered vehicles have dropped by nearly 33% since July 2021. This positive impact is expected to expand as the policy further promotes the electrification of the vehicle fleet. Removing the discount would put New Zealand’s climate goals in jeopardy.
According to Transport Minister David Parker, the most recent data confirms the effectiveness of the Clean Car Discount. The registration rate for electric vehicles and hybrids is on the rise, comprising more than 53% of all new vehicle registrations since July. This marks a significant increase compared to the 39% recorded between April 2022 and June 2023.
The average carbon dioxide emissions from newly registered vehicles have reached an all-time low of 126 grams per kilometre. When the scheme started, the rate stood at 188 grams per kilometre. The Clean Car Discount has been the pivotal element in the transition to more environmentally friendly vehicles in New Zealand. The annual uptake of EVs and hybrids has risen by 180%, compared with a 30% decrease for petrol and diesel vehicles.
The scheme’s effectiveness became evident when it was extended in April 2022 to promote hybrids and discourage high-emission vehicles. In the same month, the average emissions from newly registered vehicles declined significantly, dropping from 205 grams per kilometre to 131 grams per kilometre. The reduction has been attributed to the increased sales of hybrid vehicles and a drop in petrol and diesel registrations.
Furthermore, research conducted by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) reveals that 62% of electric vehicle owners accelerated their EV purchases, obtaining them earlier than originally planned because of the Clean Car Discount.
Earlier this month, the government announced it would co-fund more than 100 electric vehicle chargers, totalling over 200 charging ports throughout the country. As OpenGov Asia reported, the chargers will be strategically located along key holiday routes. By the end of the year, the government wants several of them to be operational to accommodate the Christmas crowd.
The chargers will be a major development in the public EV charging infrastructure in the country. Apart from holiday routes, the government is prioritising major highways, thoroughfares, and locations that are frequently visited by New Zealanders during their daily activities like shopping.
Data from EECA showed that although 80% of individuals primarily charge their electric vehicles at home, there is a significant demand for a variety of charging alternatives while they are on the go, particularly during longer journeys. Therefore, the government is co-funding high-speed chargers located along major highways at 19 popular holiday routes, including Bombay, Turangi, and Wanaka.
