Feature article
EV Road User Charges across NZ - Guide
If you drive an EV in NZ, you must pay road user charges (RUC). Here you find all you need to know about those charges.
Last updated: 4 November 2024
If you drive an electric vehicle in New Zealand, you have to pay road user charges (RUC).
Previously there was an exemption for light EVs (under 3.5 tonnes) from RUCs. This was implemented by the then National government in order to encourage uptake of electric vehicle ownership. There are now over 77,000 EVs on the road in NZ, a number which grows to 110,000 when plug-in hybrids are included.
Now that plug-ins are more common, the current coalition government signalled its intent to introduce RUCs for EVs in early 2024.
As of April 1 2024, all plug-in electric vehicles must have a valid RUC licence. This includes plug-in hybrid vehicles.
What are Road User Charges?
All drivers have to contribute towards the maintenance and repair of New Zealand’s roading system. Revenue for this is collected two ways. Drivers of petrol-powered cars pay levies that are included in the price of gas at the pump. Drivers of diesel and electric vehicles pay through road user charges, as they are not taxed at the source (the diesel pump or DC fast charger).
The revenue collected from road user charges and petrol excise goes toward the National Land Transport Fund. This is used to finance not only the upkeep of current roads but it also helps pay for new roads and highways, as well as public transport, road safety, and walking and cycling initiatives.
How much are RUCs for EV drivers?
The RUC rate for light EVs is $76 per 1000km. For plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) it is $38 per 1000km. This lower rate was implemented so that PHEV drivers are not double taxed, as they also pay fuel excise duty when they buy petrol. EVs pay the same rate as diesel-powered vehicles.
You must prepay your RUCs in units of 1000km. There is also an admin fee each time you buy a licence. This is $12.44 when you buy RUCs online, or $13.71 at an agent.
You can buy your RUCs online or in person through a New Zealand Transport Agency agent.
What vehicles need RUCs in NZ?
You’ll need to buy RUCs if your vehicle is powered by a diesel engine or is a battery electric vehicle with a plug. Included in this mix are diesel hybrids and plug-in petrol hybrids.
Those vehicles that are petrol powered or use either CNG or LPG do not need RUCs as these fuels are taxed at the source. This includes petrol hybrids that can’t plug in to charge.
The types of EVs that need a RUC are any that can be charged (EVs and PHEVs) and have a GVM (manufacturer's gross vehicle mass) between 1001kg–3500kg.
EVs that weigh less than 1000kg (electric motorcycles for instance) don’t need to buy RUCs.
The first time an EV owner buys their RUC licence, they need to give their odometer reading. When you go for a warrant of fitness, your vehicle’s odometer will be reviewed. If the odometer exceeds the RUCs purchased by the vehicle’s owner, you will be invoiced for any difference.
Author
Kyle has been reviewing cars since starting at NZ Autocar magazine in 2003 and has been editor since 2009. In that time he’s become an expert on what makes for a good vehicle while also gaining insights into the local automotive industry.
Other articles you might like
