Clean car scheme in a $224m 'hole' before rejig

Federated Farmers says farmers are subsidising wealthy Tesla owners. (Image: Getty)

Thu, 04 May 2023

The government's feebate scheme has operated as advertised, helping push the take-up of lower emission cars with the general buying public.But the automotive industry is now calling into question the need to sink another $100 million into selling something that's already been bought, and that it could better spend the money on supporting infrastructure.That's on the back of a recently released long-term charging network strategy and forecasts by network operator Chargenet saying NZ needs more than $400m in capital investment to keep...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call.
Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Already a Subscriber ? Sign in here.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].name) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

Books Review

‘The Origins of Efficiency’: Rise of the machines

AI is exhibiting the same efficiency and trajectory as the automobile did a century ago.

The Wall Street Journal 5:00am

Retail

Mitre 10 starts banking IT project gains

The hardware store chain has gained share in a tough market.

Pattrick Smellie 25 Oct 2025

Mitre 10 starts banking IT project gains

On the Money

On the Money: The EU, Air NZ succession, and more

A royal succession plays out in the skies, and Luxon talks about toast.

Dileepa Fonseka 25 Oct 2025

On the Money: The EU, Air NZ succession, and more

Sponsored

NZ risks losing edge as Australia takes lead in cleaner jet fuel

Experts warn SAF delay could cost jobs and growth.

Z Energy

Sponsored

Focus on safety of SME vehicle fleets

Vehicle glass repairer’s work enhances road safety.

Smith & Smith

More Transport

Infrastructure

Marsden Maritime Holdings CEO Rosie Mercer standing down

Marsden Maritime Holdings' chief executive, Rosie Mercer, is stepping down at the end of the year.After three years in the job, she said the decision was a natural transition point for her and the company, as Marsden Maritime Holdings (MMH) was in a strong position and well-p...

Ian Llewellyn 23 Oct 2025