Why incentives for hybrids?

In almost all countries serious about electrification of their fleets, hybrids are no longer regarded as a viable alternative to pure electric vehicles (EVs).

“Sure they were a option when range was an issue – but with range not a serious problem now in New Zealand why are hybrids to be subsidised under the government’s proposed new Clean Car Scheme,” asks EVtalk publisher Vern Whitehead.

Whitehead attended EV conferences in Oslo and Berlin earlier this year and was surprised at the depth of feeling against hybrids.

“The feeling was that as hybrids could only cover a tenth (on average) of their possible range on their electric motors, they were regarded as petrol or diesel-engined cars. They were still regarded as polluters and gas emitters,” he says.

“This begs the question as to why our government plans to allow a $4600 rebate on these vehicles from 2021, under its ‘clean car plan’.”

Drive Electric chairman Mark Gilbert agrees.

“In simple terms, I think the rebates should apply to vehicles with plugs.”

Gilbert says the end of vehicles with any internal combustion engine (including hybrids) has been signalled.

“So why incentivise hybrids?”