The Clean Car Rebate (also referred to as the Clean Car Discount) is part of the NZ Clean Car Standard, a Government initiative aimed at reducing CO2 emissions on New Zealand’s roads. This is done by discouraging the purchase of high emitting vehicles by means of a fee, and at the same time making it more affordable to buy EVs, hybrids, and other low emitting vehicles by providing a rebate – or money back from the Government – after the purchase.
The first part of the Clean Car Standard took effect on 1 July 2021 with rebates available on EVs and Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs) only, and on 1 April 2022 it was expanded to include other hybrids and low emitting petrol and diesel models. On 1 April fees were also introduced on new and newly registered vehicles that emit high amounts of CO2.
Which vehicles does the rebate apply to?
The fixed Clean Car Rebate introduced on 1 July 2021 applies to new EV and PHEVs, and imported EV and PHEVs registered in New Zealand for the first time between 1 July and 31 March 2022, providing certain price and safety criteria are met. Rebate claims for these vehicles must be submitted to Waka Kotahi by 31 May 2022.
The full Clean Car Rebate programme which took effect on 1 April 2022 applies to new and used light vehicles registered for the first time in New Zealand after that date and is based on a sliding scale of CO2 emissions. The lower the emissions the higher the rebate.
In all cases the vehicle must cost no more that $80,000 including GST and on road costs and must have a minimum 3 star safety rating. Any vehicles costing over $80,000 inc GST and ORC and/or without a 3 star safety rating or higher are excluded from the rebate. The RightCar website is the standard reference point for the safety rating. More information on eligibility can be found here.
How much is the rebate?
The rebates will vary depending on the vehicle you buy and are subject to fund availability.* Rebates on EVs and PHEVs registered before 31 March 2022 are as follows. Remember that rebate claims for these vehicles must be submitted to Waka Kotahi by 31 May 2022.
New EV $8,625
New PHEV $5,750
Used EV $3,450
Used PHEV $2,300
Rebates on vehicles registered after 1 April 2022 are calculated on a sliding scale depending on the vehicle’s CO2 emissions and can be as high as $7500. For more information on this calculation, visit the Waka Kotahi website. For a list of eligible vehicles that are sold at Brendan Foot Supersite and their rebates, click here.
Note that the term ‘used’ here applies to imported EV and PHEVs that have come into the country and are being registered in New Zealand for the first time between 1 July and 31 March 2022. It does not apply to any other used vehicles.
* In the first instance the rebate was paid by the Government from fund of approximately $300 million set aside to start the programme. With the full Clean Car Standard underway, the rebates are funded from the fees collected from the sale of high emitting vehicles. The Clean Car Programme is operated by Waka Kotahi and is independent from Brendan Foot Supersite. Waka Kotahi state “If rebate funds are exhausted at any given time, no rebate will be paid. Once the scheme restarts, only vehicles registered from the restart date that meet the eligibility requirements will qualify for a rebate.”
How does the rebate work and how do I claim it?
When you’ve found a vehicle you would like to buy, check that the rebate will apply by visiting RightCar website. You can of course also also talk to your salesperson about which vehicles are eligible. Once you’ve bought the vehicle you then apply online to Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency) for the rebate. You will need to provide the sale agreement, numberplate details and your bank account. Once approved the rebate is paid directly to your bank account.
It’s important to note that the dealership is not involved in this process and that the rebate amount does not come off the total cost paid to the dealer at the time of the sale. You must pay for the vehicle first, with the rebate being a transaction between yourself and Waka Kotahi. See more here.
Which models are eligible?
We have a number of EV and PHEVs available which are eligible for the rebate. Please talk to our sales team or see our EV & Hybrid vehicles page for more information.
The vehicles we sell that are eligible for the Clean Car Rebate are listed here.