Road user charges (RUC) will apply to EVs (including plug-in hybrids which pay a reduced rate of $53 per 1000km) from April 1 this year.
It will cost EV owners nearly $1000 annually with EV owners charged $76 per 1000km -similar to other non-petrol light vehicles such as diesel cars), plus administration fees of $12.44 (online) or $13.71 (over the counter) when pre-paying for a block of 1000km or more.
The Government has confirmed the EV RUC exemption’s removal, with the Motor Trade Association (MTA) saying that extending RUC to EVs levels the playing field and will help New Zealand roads get more much-needed maintenance.
“We had advocated for this policy and are pleased that the Government has listened,” says MTA chief executive Lee Marshall.
“There’s no doubt that the exemption from RUC for EVs has helped increase the number on our roads.
“That’s been welcome, and it’s now time that with the increase in the size of our electrified fleet past the 2% threshold, drivers of EVs help pay for the upkeep of the roads they travel on.”
From April 1, 2024, owners of light EVS (gross laden weight 3500kg or less) will need to buy a RUC licence and display it on their windscreen, says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
“This includes plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). It doesn’t usually include hybrid vehicles that can’t plug in to recharge.”
Heavy EVs with a gross laden weight of more than 3500kg are exempt from RUC until December 31, 2025.
Go to EVs and Beyond for more on this story.
