Transport Minister Bridges Announces Massive Boost for Electric Vehicles

Electric Vehicles in New Zealand have just received the boost they needed to take charge of NZ’s transport fleet. $20 million is being set aside per year by the government to accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles in New Zealand.

In countries like Norway and the Netherlands electric vehicles account for between 30% and 60% of new car registrations …. and that’s after their incentives have been reduced substantially due to the EV uptake being so successful.

Congratulations to Transport Minister Simon Bridges after the announcement of the Government’s plans to get New Zealanders behind the wheel of electric cars.

The initiatives announced follow proven international policies in other countries and include;

• T2 and T3 Bus lane access until 2 percent of the fleet is electrified
• Extending the Road User Charge exemption to light vehicles until 2 percent of the whole fleet is electric
• Road user exemption on heavy vehicles up until 2 percent
• The Government and private sector will be working together to buy vehicles in bulk to reduce retail prices of EV’s
• $6 million per year to encourage and support innovative low emission vehicle initiatives
• $1 million per year in EV education and promotion for the next five years
• Review of Tax depreciation rates and calculations to ensure electric vehicles aren’t unfairly disadvantaged

Watch this space as detailed policy is unveiled.

For more information on Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Plug-In Hybrids (PHEVs) checkout Ecotricitys range of EV chargers and price planshere.