EV funding round opens

Applications are open for the sixth round of the Government’s low emission vehicles contestable fund, closing on March 21.

The new round was opened on February 21 by energy and resources minister Megan Woods.

“The Government has a comprehensive work programme to transition our economy to a low-emissions, renewable future,” she says. “Helping to get more low emissions vehicles on the road, and helping more Kiwis take advantage of this technology, is a key part of that plan.

“This fund helps do that by offering up to 50% co-funding for projects, with applicants required to match or exceed the amounts granted.

“This year, up to $7 million is being made available, with $3.5 million through this funding round.”

The latest round’s investment focus is to stimulate continued innovation and investment in areas such as filling key gaps in the charging network, facilitating the scale-up of low emission vehicles technology, high-visibility demonstration projects and EV technology innovation.

“We’ve seen in previous rounds the exciting projects this fund can help deliver,” Woods says.

Projects to get the green light in the last round included hydrogen fuel cell powered buses at the Ports of Auckland, electric heavy vehicle trials, development of an EV battery testing method and 34 new public charging stations.

“Over five rounds to date, the fund has committed $17.2 million in government funding to more than 90 projects,” Woods says.

“This is matched by over $28 million applicant funding. This co-funding removes some of the risk when investing in new and innovative technologies and brings the maximum benefit for the Government contribution.”

The fund is administered by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).

Visit eeca.govt.nz/LEVCF for more information.