EV Parity Index: NZ vs AU
Tracking the shift in electric vehicle market share between two neighbours moving at different speeds.
What are possible reasons for the differences?
EV uptake arises from a complex set of variables: model availability and feature set (such as EV range and charging speed), pricing, perception of resale value, running cost, and public charging infrastructure. Intertwined with this is government policy.
Listed below are some of the broader policies enacted by each country. Correlation or causation?
Policy Timeline
Clean Car Discount — Stage 1
EV: $8,625 new · $3,450 used (vehicles under $80k)
FBT Exemption
Zero Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) on EVs via novated lease (below luxury car threshold)
Clean Car Discount — Stage 2
Fees added on high-emitting vehicles (>192g CO₂/km)
Clean Vehicle Standard introduced
CO₂ fleet targets on importers; credits & penalties
National EV Strategy released
Framework for charging infra, supply & uptake
Clean Car Discount — Stage 3
EV: $7,025 new · $3,507 used; criteria tightened
Clean Car Discount ends
Govt cancels scheme
Road User Charges on EVs
EVs now pay RUC per km, like diesel vehicles (7.6c/km). PHEVs pay a reduced rate (3.8c/km)
NVES — Royal Assent
New Vehicle Efficiency Standard passed into law
Clean Vehicle Standard targets eased
Commercial vehicle (ute/van) targets lifted upwards
NVES takes effect
CO₂ fleet targets begin; penalties from Jul 2025
Clean Vehicle Standard fees cut ~80%
Penalty: $67.50 → $15/g new; $33.75 → $7.50/g used
Clean Vehicle Standard retained
Review found it the most cost-effective option; abolition ruled out. Separate used-import targets to be set
FBT Exemption — Phase 2
Full exemption only under $75k · $75k–$91k gets 25% discount
↗ Upcoming
Clean Vehicle Standard — new targets
Recalibrated settings, with separate targets for used imports. Officials report back early 2027
↗ Upcoming
FBT Exemption — Phase 3
Full exemption removed · all EVs under LCT threshold receive 25% FBT discount only
↗ Upcoming
New Zealand
Clean Car Discount — Stage 1
EV: $8,625 new · $3,450 used (vehicles under $80k)
Australia
FBT Exemption
Zero Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) on EVs via novated lease (below luxury car threshold)
New Zealand
Clean Car Discount — Stage 2
Fees added on high-emitting vehicles (>192g CO₂/km)
New Zealand
Clean Vehicle Standard introduced
CO₂ fleet targets on importers; credits & penalties
Australia
National EV Strategy released
Framework for charging infra, supply & uptake
New Zealand
Clean Car Discount — Stage 3
EV: $7,025 new · $3,507 used; criteria tightened
New Zealand
Clean Car Discount ends
Govt cancels scheme
New Zealand
Road User Charges on EVs
EVs now pay RUC per km, like diesel vehicles (7.6c/km). PHEVs pay a reduced rate (3.8c/km)
Australia
NVES — Royal Assent
New Vehicle Efficiency Standard passed into law
New Zealand
Clean Vehicle Standard targets eased
Commercial vehicle (ute/van) targets lifted upwards
Australia
NVES takes effect
CO₂ fleet targets begin; penalties from Jul 2025
New Zealand
Clean Vehicle Standard fees cut ~80%
Penalty: $67.50 → $15/g new; $33.75 → $7.50/g used
New Zealand
Clean Vehicle Standard retained
Review found it the most cost-effective option; abolition ruled out. Separate used-import targets to be set
Australia
FBT Exemption — Phase 2
Full exemption only under $75k · $75k–$91k gets 25% discount
↗ Upcoming
New Zealand
Clean Vehicle Standard — new targets
Recalibrated settings, with separate targets for used imports. Officials report back early 2027
↗ Upcoming
Australia
FBT Exemption — Phase 3
Full exemption removed · all EVs under LCT threshold receive 25% FBT discount only
↗ Upcoming
EV: Fully electric vehicle (BEV)
