Go a little green, get a lot back
If you choose a zero or low emission vehicle, you’re helping to help reduce New Zealand's CO2 levels.
The Clean Car Discount is helping New Zealand achieve its goal to be carbon neutral by 2050 by making low emission vehicles more affordable.
Clean Car questions and answers
The Clean Car Discount consists of rebates and fees based on CO2 emissions for new and used eligible vehicles the first time they are registered in New Zealand. The higher the CO2 emissions, the greater the fee; the lower the emissions, the greater the rebate. Vehicles with moderate emissions will not incur a fee or be eligible for a rebate.
View larger image - Clean Car rebates and fees [PDF, 102 KB]
| Vehicle carbon emissions* (grams per kilometre) | Used vehicle (GST inclusive) | New vehicle (GST inclusive) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 (zero emissions) | $3507.50 | $7015 |
| 1 to 60 | $2012.50 | $4025 |
| 61 to 100 | (130 – emissions) x $28.75 | (130 – emissions) x $57.50 |
Note: Rebate payments to public authorities will exclude GST.
*The CO2 emissions of the vehicle must be calculated in accordance with the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Efficiency and Emissions Data 2022.
To apply for a rebate, you'll need a copy of the vehicle offer and sale agreement, proof of the registered person's bank account and the GST number if the vehicle is being used for business purposes.
Apply for a rebate(external link)
Eligibility criteria for vehicles registered for the first time in New Zealand
Fees for high emission vehicles are paid at the time the vehicle is first registered in New Zealand. The fees payable are provided for under the Land Transport (Clean Vehicle Discount Scheme Charges) Regulations 2022 (which also lists which vehicles are excluded).
Land Transport (Clean Vehicle Discount Scheme Charges) Regulations 2022(external link)
Find out more on how to register your vehicle
|
Vehicle carbon emissions* (grams per kilometre) |
Used vehicle (GST inclusive) |
New vehicle (GST inclusive) |
|
150 or more |
(140 - emissions) x $28.75 Capped at $3450 |
(140 - emissions) x $57.50 Capped at $6900 |
Note: Fees must be paid to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles at the same time as the person pays for the registration of the vehicle.
*The CO2 emissions of the vehicle must be calculated in accordance with the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Efficiency and Emissions Data 2022.
Many cars are available with a variety of emission levels that could impact whether you pay a fee or get a rebate. It makes sense to do some research to find a vehicle that fits your needs with the lowest emissions to reduce your impact to the environment and your bank balance.
Look for the new Emissions and Energy Economy Label on vehicles for sale. It shows a vehicle’s CO2 emissions and whether it is eligible for a rebate or fee.
Clean Car questions and answers
Registered motor vehicle dealers who want to buy a vehicle for use as a company vehicle, demo vehicle or courtesy car for customers, may be eligible for a rebate.
A declaration is required stating that the vehicle is not for on selling within three months of first registration (ie, it is for business purposes).
Motor vehicle trader statutory declaration for rebates form [PDF, 248 KB]
Motor vehicle trader statutory declaration for rebates form for multiple vehicles [PDF, 278 KB]
A lessor may be eligible to receive a rebate when they are not the person registered to the vehicle if they meet the eligibility criteria, which requires, among other things, that the lessor owns the vehicle, that there is a lease agreement between the lessor and the lessee in relation to the vehicle, and that the lessee is the first registered person of the vehicle.
The lessor will need to provide the acknowledgement of lease agreement form provided below, which needs to be filled out by both the lessee and lessor.
Waka Kotahi will email the lessor the registration certificate and the lease company can then apply for the rebate and upload the lessee acknowledgement form.
