New Zealand banning ICE vehicles by 2040?
A ban on the import and sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles seems likely to be introduced in New Zealand by 2040.
If ratified by the New Zealand Government, the ban would probably closely follow the United Kingdom’s plan.
The UK Government has announced a declaration detailing plans to reduce transport emissions by stopping the sale of ICE vehicles globally within about 28 years.
It includes a list of automotive manufacturers pledging to phase out sales of new ICE cars by 2035 in major markets and 2040 elsewhere, and cites countries like New Zealand.
“We will support efforts to achieve the road transport breakthrough announced by world leaders, which aims to make zero emission vehicles the new normal by making them accessible, affordable and sustainable in all regions by 2030,” the pledge says.
Australia is among those which did not sign the agreement – however several Australian states have.
According to an official, the New Zealand Government has signed two transport statements from the COP26 gathering in Glasgow, one on cars and vans, the other on heavy duty vehicles.
The official has told Auto Media Group that there is nothing specific in them about an ICE import ban but that’s in the ERP consultation. A statement from the government on this matter is expected today.
Several countries have already suggested banning new ICE vehicles by specific dates.
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Absolutely “blah blah blah”. 2040 is far too late to ban new ICE vehicle sales! 28 years until banning means they will be running around for another 20 years after that. We don’t have the right to impose such gutless decisions on future generations. The evidence and logic is clear. We know fossil fuels are killing our planet.
No new ICE vehicles should be sold in New Zealand after 2030. No if’s, buts, maybes. We can produce more solar power, wind power and no doubt further develop hydro power.
We may be brave enough to move to nuclear power which is now likely a better risk than persisting with energy from coal, petrol, diesel, etc to answer those who claim we don’t have sufficient electric generation for EVs to be “fuelled”.