Challenges remain before heavy EV RUCs apply – Transporting NZ

Road freight body Transporting New Zealand is backing the introduction of road user charges (RUCs) for light electric vehicles but says a number of challenges need to be tackled before the same applies to zero emission trucks.

It comes as the Government announced RUCs would apply for light EVs from April 1 this year. RUCs for commercial electric vehicles with a gross laden weight of more than 3500kg are exempt from RUC until December 31, 2025.

Transporting NZ policy advisor Billy Clemens says the Government needs to act swiftly to enable greater uptake of zero emission heavy vehicles before those RUCs apply in December 2025.

“In the long term, we want to see zero emission trucks stand on their own two feet against internal combustion alternatives,” he says.

“However, the current cost premium and limited capability of battery electric and hydrogen vehicles mean they aren’t yet generally commercially viable.”

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