The policy establishes a $27.75 million Low Emissions Heavy Vehicle Fund to accelerate the uptake of low-emissions heavy vehicles. The fund will support early adopters of these vehicles by addressing the purchase price barrier. The appropriation for this grant scheme is provided by the New Zealand government's Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) through the Clean Heavy Vehicles Grants 2023-2028. This policy is in line with EECA's target to reduce its carbon emissions by 55% by 2030, compared to a 2018 baseline.
Objectives of the Fund:
a. Continue to build the transport sector’s confidence to invest in the adoption of zero emission trucks, non-public transport buses and heavy vans beyond demonstration, by supporting integration of zero emissions vehicles into their fleets
b. Gather insights into other operational barriers to widespread uptake and commercialisation, such as charging and refuelling requirements and behaviour change amongst operators
c. Provide market signals to international original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), with the intent of encouraging supply of low-emissions heavy vehicles to New Zealand.
