Drive Electric joins Tesla in CCS review complaint

Electric vehicle lobby group Drive Electric has joined Tesla in complaining about a lack of consultation over changes to the Clean Car Standard.

It says the Land Transport (Clean Vehicle Standard) Amendment Bill could pass under urgency today, following only targeted consultation by transport minister Simeon Brown with the Motor Industry Association, VIA and Motor Trade Association.

EVs and Beyond has reported complaints from Tesla country director Thom Drew that the consultation only worked with those selling ICE vehicles, while MIA chief executive Aimee Wiley understandably claimed the consultation was a positive experience.

In a statement, Drive Electric chair Kirsten Corson called for public consultation on the review before any changes are made.

“Extensive consultation was done when these Standards were introduced, and if they are going to be changed a similar approach should be taken,” Corsen says.

“We have talked to our members and there are many in the EV ecosystem that support retaining the existing Clean Car Standard settings,” she explains.

“They would like these to be considered in any review of emissions standards.”

EV sales have drastically reduced this year since the removal of the Clean Car Discount. In 2024 so far, 8.4% of NZ’s new passenger cars are plug-in vehicles (full EVs or plug-in hybrids), down from 27.2% for all of 2023.

AutoTalk has reached out to the minister’s office for comment.