Feebate discussion launches EVworld NZ conference

Feedback from the “cutting edge” of the EV industry is wanted on the Government’s ‘clean car’ proposals, which includes a feebate scheme, associated transport minister Julie Anne Genter told about 200 delegates at the EVworld NZ conference in Auckland on August 1.

Explaining the proposals, Genter didn’t reveal anything new, calling for submissions before they close on August 20.

She wants to see the feebate system whereby low to zero emission vehicles receive a discount and polluting vehicles pay a fee introduced as soon as possible after consultation.

Arriving at the ASB Showgrounds from Auckland Airport In a Tesla, Genter says New Zealand is being offered less fuel efficient vehicles of some models, so the country needs an emissions standard in place.

She also talked about the road user charge (RUC) EV exemption expiring in 2021 when a feebate scheme is expected to start, but indicated the possibility some other help with EV costs may come as RUC will likely apply to all vehicles at some stage to pay for road works mostly met from fuel taxes now.

She says the Government is examining options for EV uptake but that public consultation is important.

Genter sees an opportunity for solar and micro-generation combined with battery storage to help power EVs and she indicates the Government’s fleet is also moving to low emission vehicles.

She stayed for a while to hear keynote speaker Jakob Lagercrantz of the Swedish National 2030-Sekretariatet (a “coalition of the willing” providing independent advice on all transport) describe his country’s similar feebate system called ‘Bonus Malus’ after a year in force.

Calling it a ‘Robin Hood’ system where “the dirty guys pay for the clean guys”, Lagercrantz says a feebate scheme needs to be combined with road taxes.

Under Sweden’s scheme, about 100 EVs a month brought into Sweden were being exported to Norway, something Lagercrantz says needs to be worked on.

He says Sweden will review the Bonus Malus system next year and that frequent reviews are needed because of rapidly developing technology. He says a different policy may be required for rural areas.

Lagercrantz lives on a farm 400km from Stockholm and drives a Tesla, generating about 12,000kW a year from solar panels on his barn roof

He urges New Zealand to set a national policy, adding that while in the land of the Lord of the Rings it shouldn’t just be “one policy to bind them all” but take into account a fuel policy, taxes and more.