Clean Car Discount Changes - Should you Buy a Car Now?

There have been some important changes to the Clean Car Discount scheme here in New Zealand, which come into effect from 1 July 2023.

Many cars that previously qualified for the full rebate will no longer be eligible, so if you’re considering buying a new vehicle soon, you might want to make your move now.

The rebate on clean cars will be lower

Zero emissions vehicles are currently eligible for a $8,625 rebate. This will be cut to $7,015 from 1 July. However, the rebate on zero emissions used imports will increase from $3,450 to $3,507.50.

Many vehicles will no longer be eligible for a rebate

Hybrids and small petrol cars are eligible for a rebate. However, the emissions threshold for a rebate has been lowered and many of these vehicles will no longer qualify. For example, the Suzuki Swift, Honda Jazz and Toyota Yaris were all eligible for rebates of $1,000 to $2,000, but will no longer attract any rebate. For hybrids like the Toyota Corolla, rebates will be reduced and they will no longer be available for models such as the Hyundai Kona.

Feebates will apply to more vehicles

Feebates are increasing on high-emissions vehicles; for instance, the Ford Ranger feebate is currently $2,645 and is rising to $5,290. For the Toyota Hilux the fee will move from $2,990 to $5,635. Some vehicles that don’t currently attract a fee now will do so after 1 July. This includes the petrol Toyota Corolla and petrol Hyundai Kona.

Should you buy a car now?

To take advantage of the current Clean Car Discount programme, you’ll need to buy a car and register it before 1 July 2023. There could be a significant discount if you move quickly; an extra $1,600 on zero-emissions vehicles, for instance, while on a Mitsubishi Triton the new fee is $2,600 higher than the old one.

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth making the move now, give us a call and we can calculate the potential costs and benefits of buying a vehicle this month, taking into account all the latest changes.