A fleet management strategy for the next five to 10 years, which includes a vehicle scrappage scheme, is needed for the transport sector of the Government’s proposed Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP), VIA chief executive David Vinsen says.
The Government’s consultation on emissions reduction policies sees submissions closing just before midnight on November 24.
Vinsen says the fleet management strategy has been discussed with various ministers, officials and organisations.
Such a strategy needs to consider the fleet’s age, size, and characteristics and a proper plan prepared rather than having ad hoc interventions added by various governments, Vinsen explains.
“We need to look at both the top end where vehicles enter and the bottom end where they exit,” he says.
A vehicle scrappage scheme is proposed in the ERP consultation document.
“To make quality cleaner vehicles more accessible, we will introduce a vehicle scrappage scheme for low-income New Zealanders, similar to California’s Clean Cars 4 All initiative,” it says.
“This scheme could have income-tiered rebates, coupled with financial support for the installation of home EV charging. It could also offer financial incentives for people to opt for low-emission alternatives, such as bicycles, rather than replacing their vehicles.”
Drive Electric chair Mark Gilbert says the Government is proposing that 30% of the entire light vehicle fleet will be electric by 2035.
“That will take a lot of doing but it’s possible, and for the climate definitely preferable.
“We’re already seeing a surge in EV purchases here in New Zealand on the back of the Clean Car Discount,” he adds.
“In September, while most of New Zealand was locked down, 2282 EVs were registered. This was the highest month of all time, achieving about 12.5% of the monthly sales.
“Internationally, the UK, which is a right-hand drive market, is well ahead and shows New Zealand what’s possible. They have over 150 models (HEVs, BEVs and PHEVs) on the market right now in the UK. Plug-in sales in September were 21.7% of the market.”
Gilbert says for New Zealand to achieve such numbers supporting policies will be needed, “many of which we have advocated for and are listed in the consultation document”.
He says while more detail is needed the ambition is there and progress has started.
“We are particularly pleased to see a National Charging Infrastructure Plan on the list, and we understand work is underway.”
Gilbert says all this is sending signals to the global automotive industry that New Zealand is serious about electrification.
“That’s how we will get a supply of these vehicles. The faster we can get a comprehensive plan in place, the faster we build the confidence of importers and consumers. Let’s hope that the Australian importers that influence the models available in New Zealand wake up and smell the electricity.”
Gilbert explains that billions are being invested in producing EVs, brands like VW Group, Audi, Hyundai, BMW Group, Daimler, Honda, GM, Volvo, Ford (Europe) and others committing to joining Tesla as EV manufacturers.
He believes more public transport, cleaner fuels, and transport as a service are all needed to slash emissions.
“We will be engaging our members on the package of policies over the next few weeks and submitting.
“But be very clear – the future for vehicles in New Zealand is electric.”
Meanwhile, the Emissions Reduction Plan consultation document contains a range of policy ideas to decrease the country’s emissions, prime minister Jacinda Ardern and climate change minister James Shaw say.
The plan, due for publication in May 2022, will set the direction for climate action through to 2035, outlining action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across a range of areas, including energy, transport, waste, agriculture, construction and financial services.
Ardern says the plan will help prioritise ideas that save people money, like cleaner energy that leads to lower power bills.
“Over the last four years we have laid the foundations for a prosperous, low-emissions economy with the passing of the Zero Carbon Act and the work of the Climate Commission. This discussion document gives New Zealanders the chance to say what policies they want in order to reach our climate targets.”
Shaw says the discussion document is not a draft of the Emissions Reduction Plan, rather an opportunity to hear feedback with the Government aiming to publish the plan next year.
He says some ideas already consulted on – either through previous policy development or the Climate Change Commission’s consultation – and are not included in this consultation.
“The plan we release next year will need to set out future policy and regulatory change, as well as actions that can be taken by businesses, towns and cities, and every community. It will also set out how we make the transition in an inclusive and equitable way.“
The 131-page discussion document Te hau mārohi ki anamata – Transitioning to a low-emissions and climate-resilient future is on the Ministry for the Environment’s website.
