New Vehicle Efficiency Standard 2025-2029 (NVES) Act

Under the NVES, emissions intensity limits (g CO2/km) are applied to suppliers across the fleet of new vehicles they sell annually, with higher limits permitted for heavier vehicles. There are no restrictions on the types of vehicles that may be sold; however, emissions-intensive vehicle sales must be offset through the sale of more fuel-efficient vehicles or the purchase of credits from other suppliers. During the consultation period for the legislation in early 2024, adjustments were made to the proposed standard. These included classifying some four-wheel drives as light commercial vehicles (LCVs) rather than passenger vehicles (PVs), thereby subjecting them to higher CO2 limits. Additionally, the government increased the emissions intensity target for LCVs and raised the breakpoints for both LCVs and PVs, providing heavier vehicles with greater allowances for emissions.