Here at Goto Car Share in downtown Tauranga, we are getting ourselves up to speed with the new law, ready to ensure that our fleet of EVs are compliant for our users come 1st April.
Why the change?
In 2009, due to limited EV infrastructure and to encourage adoption of greener vehicles, the Government introduced an exemption for EVs from RUCs. This exemption is being removed with effect from 1st April 2024.
The Government has made this change to align EVs with its user-pays principle, ensuring all vehicle owners contribute to maintaining and improving New Zealand's transport network. The increasing number of EVs on our roads necessitates a fair and sustainable approach to road maintenance funding (there are now over 80,000 registered EVs, equivalent to 2% of vehicles on the road in NZ). The introduction of RUCs for EVs ensures they contribute alongside petrol and diesel vehicles, enabling continued investment in safe and efficient transportation infrastructure for all New Zealanders (and, of course, all the orange cones!).
Obtaining RUCs and the costs:
Thinking about getting organised and buying your RUCs ahead of 1st April? Don’t bother. You can’t purchase these until after 31st March 2024 for EVs. Although don’t wait too long, as RUCs work on a pre-paid licence basis and driving without can result in infringement notices or fines. However you'll have until 31 May 2024 to buy your first RUC licence.
Cost: NZ$76 per 1,000km, plus an administration fee ($12.44 online or $13.71 from an agent, such as the AA). Plug in petrol hybrid vehicles will be NZ$53 per 1,000km.
You will be able to purchase your RUCs through various channels: online, phone and at retail outlets, such as the AA.
The onus is on the EV owner to monitor their vehicle mileage and top up RUCs as required. You’ll need to be smart with your top up amount given the admin fee. For example, online purchasing comes with a $12.44 admin fee as high as 14% if you buy 1,000km at a time:
So set your calendar reminder now to ensure you get your RUCs purchased.
Additional resources:
NZTA website: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicles/road-user-charges/ruc-for-electric-vehicles/
NZTA contact information: 0800 42 53 67.
