Clean Car questions and answers

The Clean Car Standard is a government target that regulates importers to reduce CO₂ emissions of vehicles entering New Zealand to specific standards.

The Clean Car Standard incentivises importers/distributors to supply cleaner cars to those living in New Zealand. If more vehicle buyers purchase electric vehicles because there are more low-emission options available, the vehicle carbon emissions in New Zealand will be reduced, helping achieve the Government’s target of being carbon neutral by 2050.

New Zealand is well behind some countries, including the United Kingdom and Japan, which have already achieved our 2025 target.

Public consultation was carried out in 2019. There was strong support for the Clean Car Standard from 85% of the 967 submitters who responded to the discussion document question: “Is a Clean Car Standard appropriate for New Zealand?”

The Clean Car Discount (CCD) ended on 31 December 2023. You can no longer apply for a rebate.

• Eligible vehicles registered up to and on 31 December 2023 were subject to CCD fees and rebates.
• Vehicles eligible for a rebate and registered up to and on 31 December 2023 were able to apply for a rebate until 31 December 2023.
• From 1 January 2024, no vehicles are subject to a CCD fee.
• Rebate applications submitted after 11:59pm on 31 December 2023 won’t be accepted. There will be no exceptions.
• There is no change to the Clean Car Standard scheme.

You won’t get a rebate if your vehicle is registered after 31 December 2023.

No, you won’t get a refund.

No, the fee applies at registration, so in January no fee will be collected.