26 Mar 2024

EV drivers to start paying Road User Charges

From 1 April 2024, all light electric vehicle (EV) drivers must buy and display Road User Charges (RUCs). This includes battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). 

Are there any exemptions?

Hybrid petrol vehicles incapable of plug-in charging are exempt, as are EVs weighing under 1000kg, such as electric motorcycles and mopeds. Heavy electric vehicles over 3,500kg are also exempt until 31 December 2025. 

Why were these changes made?

Since 2009, electric vehicles have been exempt from RUCs in New Zealand. This exemption was intended to remain in effect until electric vehicles made up approximately 2 percent of the country's light vehicle fleet. Now that this threshold has been met with around 100,000 light EVs on the roads, the government has chosen to allow the exemption to end. Consequently, electric vehicles will now contribute to the expenses of the transport system on par with other vehicles.

How much will RUCs for EVs cost?

The RUC rate for EVs will be $76.00 per 1000km unit. 

The rate for PHEVs will be $38.00 per 1000km unit, reduced from the original proposed rate of $53.00. 

What does this mean for leasing an EV? 

With FleetPartners, managing your EVs/PHEVs RUCs is easy with our RUC management service added into your lease rate. This comprehensive service covers the purchasing, distributing, and invoicing of your RUC labels for just $2 excluding GST per month. 

To learn more about RUC management and how it works click here.