Clean car scheme payouts total more than $100 million

Official figures say more than $100 million has been paid out to new car buyers in the clean car discount scheme for low-emission vehicles.

On the other hand, 7162 fees totaling $14,351,037 have been collected by the Government for high-emission vehicles.

The clean car discount provides a reduction of up to $8625 for low-emission vehicle imports while fees collected from high-emission vehicles help fund the discount.

Waka Kotahi approved 19,662 discounts between May 2021 and 2022, with a total of $101,770,725 being paid out.

That number is only set to get higher with more Kiwis purchasing electric and hybrid vehicles. The first year of the clean car scheme saw 57,000 of these vehicles registered on our roads, a 56 percent increase compared to 2021.

Transport Minister Michael Wood says the clean car scheme is an example of the Government taking action against greenhouse gas emissions in New Zealand.

“New Zealanders want us to get on with the job of tackling climate change but we can’t do that without making some changes. The clean car discount scheme is an example of this, and it is working,” Wood said.

However, importers of clean vehicles continue to face supply shortages making it hard for buyers to get their hands on discount eligible transport.