The New Zealand government confirmed on Tuesday that the country will be phasing in the clean car standard from December 1, significantly reducing carbon emissions.
“Emissions from our light vehicles are the single largest source of vehicle emissions in New Zealand, due in part to the fact that we have some of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in the OECD [Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development/” — Transportation Secretary Michael Wood said.
There is a need to increase the supply of fuel-efficient vehicles, and New Zealanders need a greater choice of low and zero emission vehicles, Wood said.
From January 1, 2023, imported vehicles will be subject to a credit or charge based on carbon emissions, he said, adding that the system encourages importers to import enough low- and zero-emission vehicles.
The standard was developed after discussions with vehicle importers, M. Wood said, adding that legislation to ensure phased implementation will be passed this week.