Government left in the dust on electric cars

The National Government’s lack of a plan to shift New Zealand to electric vehicles will have contributed to Nissan’s decision to stop selling its Leaf electric car new in New Zealand, the Green Party said.

The Nissan Leaf was formerly the most affordable electric car (EV) available new in New Zealand.

“There is a huge opportunity for electric vehicles to cut our contribution to climate pollution and our $6 billion annual oil import bill but the National Government is being left in the dust,” Green Party transport spokesperson Julie Anne Genter said.

“Other countries have plans to shift their vehicle fleets from petrol to electric, but the National Government is still stuck in the gas-guzzling Twentieth Century. It’s no coincidence EV manufacturers are now pulling out.

“Transport Minister Simon Bridges has been promising policies to encourage electric cars since last year but we’re yet to see anything from him except a website and a dozen photo opportunities.

“If the Transport Minister is stuck for ideas, he’s welcome to borrow the Green Party’s plan to provide significant tax breaks for businesses that choose electric cars and supporting the nationwide roll-out of fast charging stations.

“Our electric car policies would see large numbers of affordable second-hand electric cars within the reach of Kiwi families within a few years.

“Nissan says its decision was purely commercial but it’s clear that if the Government was doing something real to encourage electric cars the cost/benefit balance would be different,” said Ms Genter.

Latest Transport Announcements

Story

Raising speed limits on undivided highways invites trouble

The Government’s move to increase speed limits substantially on dozens of stretches of rural and often undivided highways will result in more serio...
Read More

Story

One year on, still no progress on new ferries

Today’s announcement from the Government on its plan for new ferries throws more uncertainty on the future of the country’s rail network.
Read More

Story

Public transport fare hikes a disaster

The Government’s directive to councils to increase bus and train fares substantially over the next few years is a bitter pill to swallow for commun...
Read More

Story

Coalition Govt’s expensive tunnel vision for Wellington comes at the expense of the regions

A second Mount Victoria tunnel, a duplicate Terrace tunnel alongside highway widening will dump more traffic in the centre of Wellington and result...
Read More

Story

Raising speed limits will cost our communities

The Government’s move to disregard all evidence and increase speed limits will result in serious harm. 
Read More

Story

Govt transport plan deepens fossil fuel fix

The Green Party says the Government’s new National Land Transport Programme marks another missed opportunity to take meaningful action to fight the...
Read More

Latest Energy and Resources Announcements

Story

Greens call for end to subsidies for Methanex

The Green Party is calling for the Government to stop subsidising the largest user of the country’s gas supplies, Methanex, following a report high...
Read More

Story

Fossil fuel lobbyist appointment to EECA board called out

The Green Party condemns the Government’s appointment of a fossil fuel lobbyist to the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority Board.
Read More

Story

Greens echo OECD call for electricity market reform

The Green Party has welcomed the OECD urging the Government to re-examine separating ‘gentailers’ to make a fairer electricity market for New Zeala...
Read More

Story

Job losses from mill closures consequence of Govt inaction

Hundreds of jobs lost as a result of pulp mill closures in the Ruapehu District are a consequence of government inaction in addressing the shortfal...
Read More

Story

Fossil fuels never the answer in climate crisis

The Government’s moves to enable the import of Liquefied Natural Gas is another step away from the sustainable and affordable energy network that t...
Read More

Story

Greens launch petition to save oil and gas ban

The Green Party has launched a petition to save the ban on oil and gas exploration.
Read More