Kiwis ‘not behind’ clean car discount

Nearly half of all New Zealanders have voiced their opposition to the government’s clean car discount scheme, according to a new survey.

The latest Taxpayers’ Union-Curia Poll also reveals only one-third of respondents were supportive of how the funding of rebates for low and zero-emissions cars is generated.

Introduced in April last year, the feebate scheme offers a subsidy of up to $8,625 on eligible electric and hybrid vehicles. The rebate is funded by taxing the purchase of higher-emitting cars up to $5,175. 

People questioned as part of the poll were asked if they support or oppose funding the clean car discount by taxing the purchase of non-electric vehicles?

Only 33 per cent of respondents in the December study supported the approach, while outright opposition to the scheme was at 47 per cent. A further 19 per cent said they were unsure. 

Rural areas were reportedly the least supportive of the scheme, generating only 23 per cent backing, and Wellington was the most supportive at 45 per cent.

Green voters were the most supportive group of the discount at 80 per cent. Labour voters’ support was 44 per cent, unsure voters at 28 per cent, National at 24 per cent, and Act at 18 per cent.

Callum Purves, Taxpayers’ Union campaigns manager, says: “This poll result shows that Kiwis are not behind the clean car discount and its bizarre model of robbing Peter to pay Paul – where Peter owns a second-hand Toyota and Paul has a brand new Tesla.

“This tax disproportionately affects low and middle-income Kiwis in favour of wealthier, inner-city residents who want to buy Teslas. With the cost-of-living crisis continuing to bite, the government should scrap this unfair tax.”