EV contestable fund now open

Innovative projects that could spark interest in electric vehicles are eligible for a new round of Government funding.

Energy and resources minister Judith Collins is encouraging businesses, local councils and organisations to apply for a share of up to $3 million in the Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund.

“The government wants to see more people swap to electric vehicles which are cheaper to run and maintain than petrol-fuelled vehicles,” Collins says

“Electric vehicles are powered by New Zealand’s more than 80% renewable electricity and will reduce transport emissions, which is good for New Zealand.”

It is the second round of funding, with the last lot of money handed out in January.

The first round of funding saw 15 projects supported, including the delivery of at least 100 new public charging stations around the country.

“New Zealanders will be able to see electric vehicles and charging stations in their neighbourhoods. This fund is helping kick-start innovative projects that are building momentum for change,” Collins says.

Another round of funding is planned to run later this year.

The fund will offer up to 50% funding towards projects that encourage and support the uptake of electric vehicles and other low emission vehicles on public roads and that make use of New Zealand’s renewable electricity advantage.

This could include projects in the areas of electric and plug-in hybrid electric cars, vans, trucks and buses, or associated technologies or services.

The fund is one of a suite of initiatives in the government’s electric vehicles programme, which has a target of doubling the numbers of electric vehicles every year to reach approximately 64,000 by the end of 2021.

Applicants have six weeks to submit their proposals to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) with the funding round closing on April 26.