Smart money is on clean machines

The focus is on EVs right now, but the Govt’s ‘feebate’ scheme is much bigger than that

From this month, the New Zealand Government’s Clean Car Programme (or “feebate” scheme, if you prefer) is rolling out.There’s been a lot of publicity around the programme — but there’s still a lot of confusion. So here’s the short version, courtesy of DRIVEN.The first part of the programme, active now, comprises rebates for the purchase of EVs costing less than $80,000 — either Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs, pure-electric) or Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), which also have a petrol or diesel engine. As long as your vehicle has an external plug, it qualifies. Buyers of new BEVs get

$8625 back from the Government, or $5750 for PHEVs. Used imports get $3450 (BEV) or $2300 (PHEV) — but only if they are being registered in NZ for the first time.

But the programme is not just about EVs; it’s really about lowemission vehicles. From January 2022 the full scheme kicks off and applies to the registration of all cars and light commercials. Those with emissions below 146g/km will qualify for a rebate (maximum $8625), there’s a “zero band” between 147-191g/km and then fees applied above 192g/km (to a maximum of $5175).That’s where it starts to get complicated, because emissions are different for each vehicle and that figure is what determines the dollar amount of rebate or fee. DRIVEN has created a Clean Car Calculator that will give instant and easy access to 2022 rebate/fee information for NZ’s most popular makes and models. Scan the QR code on this page to have a look.