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)
EV FBT Exemption
Zero FBT on EVs via novated lease (below LCT 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
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
FBT exemption review begins
Govt review underway; report due mid-2027
Clean Vehicle Standard fees cut ~80%
Penalty: $67.50 → $15/g new; $33.75 → $7.50/g used
Clean Vehicle Standard — full review due
Recommendations to Cabinet; abolition on the table
↗ Upcoming
New Zealand
Clean Car Discount — Stage 1
EV: $8,625 new · $3,450 used (vehicles under $80k)
Australia
EV FBT Exemption
Zero FBT on EVs via novated lease (below LCT 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
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
Australia
FBT exemption review begins
Govt review underway; report due mid-2027
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 — full review due
Recommendations to Cabinet; abolition on the table
↗ Upcoming
