New Zealand’s National Party has committed to an impressive EV plan, should it be elected in the country’s election next month.
The National Party have promised EV users exemptions from the fringe benefit tax and Road User Charges, among a host of other incentives.
“We’re committed to addressing the issue of our transport emissions in a practical and effective way. This ambitious plan will make EVs cheaper and easier to own without unfairly taxing Kiwis.” Leader of the National Party Judith Collins said.
“We believe the future of transport in New Zealand will be zero emissions. Our ambitious and comprehensive plan will encourage the purchase of EVs, create a thriving second-hand EV market, support sustainable transport infrastructure, and lower carbon emissions in New Zealand’s transport sector.”
As part of the policy the party has promised:
- EVs will be exempt from fringe benefit tax until 2025 to encourage fleet uptake
- EVs will be exempt from Road User Charges until at least 2023
- EVs will be allowed to use bus lanes and high-occupancy lanes
- A target of one-third of government light vehicle fleet to be EV by 2023
- A target of 80,000 EVs on NZ roads by 2023 – four times the current level
“Transport emissions are the largest driver of increasing greenhouse gas emissions in New Zealand, having doubled since 1990. National has a bold plan to address this,” National’s Transport spokesperson Chris Bishop said.
“Exempting EVs from fringe benefit tax will significantly bolster the second-hand market by giving Kiwis access to NZ-new, longer range, late model EVs.”
The estimated fiscal impact of the Electric Vehicle package is $93m over four years. This includes $55m over four years in lower revenue from exempting electric vehicles from Fringe Benefit Tax and $38m over four years in electrifying the Government fleet.
“Despite promising to electrify the government fleet by 2025, Labour has not even achieved one per cent of its target,” National’s Associate Environment spokesperson Erica Stanford said.
“National’s policy package is practical, supported by the sector and will deliver immediate positive benefits.”
