Summary of Policy Manifesto 2026
Member Segment Summary
Which recommendations matter most to your business
This document maps each policy recommendation from Drive Electric’s 2026 Policy Manifesto to the member segments most directly affected. Use it to quickly identify the areas relevant to your business, share with your team, or identify where your organisation’s voice is needed most in advocacy conversations.
| Member Segment | Primary Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| 01 MICROMOBILITY | Battery safety standards, 300W enforcement, FBT for e-mopeds |
| 02 LIGHT VEHICLES | Tighten CCS, FBT, Salary Sacrifice/Novated Lease, Building Code, WoF |
| 03 COMMERCIAL FLEET & DELIVERY | RUC exemptions (commercial delivery), Accelerated Depreciation |
| 04 HEAVY FLEET | VDAM, RUC exemptions, Accelerated Depreciation, Corridor Charging |
| 05 AC CHARGERS | Right to Charge, Building Code (EV Ready), Smart Charging |
| 06 CHARGE POINT OPERATORS | Network capacity tool, EDB oversight, SPULA co-fund |
| 07 ELECTRICITY GENERATORS & RETAILERS | Demand growth, Smart Charging / V2G, RUC reform, EV Ready buildings |
| 08 ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION BUSINESSES | Network capacity tool, EDB oversight, Smart Charging / V2G, Building Code, Corridor charging |
| 09 FINANCE, FLEET & INSURANCE | FBT, Salary Sacrifice, RUC exemptions, Accelerated Depreciation |
Strategic Logic: Supply Side + Demand Side + Infrastructure = Uptake
01 MICROMOBILITY
E-bike, E-scooter & E-moped Providers
Micromobility is one of the fastest-growing segments of NZ’s electric mobility ecosystem. These recommendations address product safety, infrastructure access, and fiscal parity with other electric commuter modes.
| Policy Area / Pillar | Recommendation | Rec # |
|---|---|---|
| Product Safety | Require all e-mobility batteries sold in NZ to comply with internationally recognised safety standards (AS/NZS 60335.2.114:2023 or UL 2272), preventing the importation of substandard devices and protecting consumers, homes, and workplaces. | Rec 1.1 |
| Infrastructure Access | Enforce the 300W performance threshold for e-scooters and e-bikes accessing shared infrastructure, and ensure access rules are consistent — devices exceeding moped performance standards should not be permitted on infrastructure from which mopeds are already excluded. | Rec 1.2 |
| Fiscal Policy | Extend FBT exemption to employer-provided e-mopeds, consistent with existing exemptions for e-bikes and e-scooters — removing the fiscal inconsistency between comparable electric commuter devices and accelerating uptake across the full micromobility segment. | Rec 1.3 |
02 LIGHT VEHICLES
OEMs, Distributors, Fleet Operators, Finance & Insurance
Policy recommendations directly affecting light vehicle supply, demand stimulation, and the corporate fleet-to-used pipeline that serves everyday New Zealanders.
| Policy Area / Pillar | Recommendation | Rec # |
|---|---|---|
| Supply Side | Reinstate and strengthen the Clean Car Standard — restoring penalty settings to align with Australia (141 g CO₂/km in 2025, tightening to 58 g CO₂/km by 2029) — and improve the credit framework so credits retain their value and are tradeable across new and used vehicle segments. | Rec 2.1 |
| Supply Side | Align NZ CO₂ targets with international leaders including Australia to ensure access to the latest EV technology and prevent NZ from importing vehicles no longer acceptable in other markets. | Rec 2.2 |
| Demand Side | Implement targeted FBT exemptions or reduced rates for zero-emission LCVs. | Rec 3.1 |
| Demand Side | Establish a framework supporting salary sacrifice and novated lease arrangements for zero-emission vehicles, enabling employees to access EVs from pre-tax income. | Rec 3.2 |
| Demand Side | Reform Road User Charges to include an emissions-based component, so per-kilometre charges reflect the emissions profile of the vehicle — creating a price signal that incentivises the transition to lower-emission alternatives. | Rec 3.5 |
| Infrastructure | Introduce Right to Charge legislation preventing landlords from unreasonably withholding consent for tenants to install EV charging equipment. | Rec 4.3 |
| Infrastructure | Update the Building Code: require 100% of new residential parking spaces to be EV Ready, and 20% of new commercial spaces (10+ spaces) to be EV Ready. Territorial authorities to retain the ability to set higher requirements. | Rec 4.4 |
| Infrastructure | Require all new dedicated charging installations to be Smart-Ready, aligned with EECA’s smart charging programme, and support nationally consistent export standards for distributed energy resources including V2G. | Rec 4.5 |
| WoF / Existing Fleet | Introduce mandatory emissions testing for light vehicles as a component of the Warrant of Fitness, identifying high-emitting vehicles in the existing fleet. | Rec 5.1 |
03 COMMERCIAL FLEET & DELIVERY
Commercial Delivery Operators, Last-Mile Logistics Providers
Commercial fleet and delivery operators are a key segment of the electric mobility transition — facing distinct capital and operating cost barriers that require targeted fiscal support to make zero-emission vehicles the rational choice.
| Policy Area / Pillar | Recommendation | Rec # |
|---|---|---|
| Fleet Economics | Extend RUC exemptions for heavy EVs until 2032 or 2% of the heavy fleet — reducing operating cost uncertainty for commercial fleet operators. | Rec 3.3 |
| Fleet Economics | Introduce accelerated depreciation for battery-electric heavy vehicles and depot charging infrastructure — reducing the effective upfront cost and improving payback periods. | Rec 3.4 |
| Price Signal | Reform Road User Charges to include an emissions-based component — strengthening the long-run financial case for zero-emission commercial fleet investment. | Rec 3.5 |
04 HEAVY FLEET
Heavy EV OEMs, Freight Operators, Fleet Managers, Finance
Heavy vehicles are just 4% of the fleet but contribute approximately 31% of transport emissions. These recommendations target the supply, cost, and infrastructure barriers unique to electric heavy freight and coaches.
| Policy Area / Pillar | Recommendation | Rec # |
|---|---|---|
| Supply Side | Provide permanent VDAM weight exemptions to ensure battery weight does not reduce freight payload for heavy EVs — and issue interim guidance immediately while the VDAM review and permanent legislation is progressed. | Rec 2.3 |
| Supply Side | Allow increased axle weights and length dimensions to provide regulatory certainty to OEMs and trailer manufacturers. | Rec 2.4 |
| Supply Side | Begin developing a pathway toward a heavy vehicle CO₂ or zero-emission performance standard, building on NZ’s existing Euro VI-c alignment, to ensure NZ receives a fair allocation of zero-emission truck supply. | Rec 2.5 |
| Demand Side | Extend RUC exemptions for heavy EVs — including electric trailers — until 2032, or until they reach 2% of the heavy vehicle fleet, whichever comes first. | Rec 3.3 |
| Demand Side | Introduce accelerated depreciation for battery-electric heavy vehicles and their associated depot charging infrastructure, reducing the effective upfront cost and strengthening the investment case for freight operators. | Rec 3.4 |
| Demand Side | Reform Road User Charges to include an emissions-based component so per-kilometre charges reflect vehicle emissions profile rather than distance alone. | Rec 3.5 |
| Infrastructure | Establish a co-funding programme for high-power depot and public charging at freight hubs and logistics centres along the state highway network, modelled on the Netherlands SPULA scheme — and actively invite private operators including OEM-backed ventures to develop and operate arterial route and key port charging infrastructure under a supported framework. | Rec 4.6 |
05 AC CHARGERS
AC Charger Providers, Home & Workplace Charging Suppliers, Hardware Installers
AC charger providers deliver the residential and workplace charging layer that underpins the majority of EV charging in New Zealand. Policy settings on tenant rights, building standards, and smart charging standards directly shape the commercial environment for this segment.
| Policy Area / Pillar | Recommendation | Rec # |
|---|---|---|
| Tenant Access | Introduce Right to Charge legislation preventing landlords from unreasonably withholding consent for tenants to install EV charging equipment. | Rec 4.3 |
| Building Code | Update the Building Code to require EV Ready infrastructure in new residential (100%) and commercial (20%) parking spaces — creating the mandate that drives demand for AC charging hardware. | Rec 4.4 |
| Smart Charging | Require all new dedicated charging installations to be Smart-Ready, aligned with EECA’s smart charging programme — ensuring AC charger hardware meets emerging grid-integration standards. | Rec 4.5 |
06 CHARGE POINT OPERATORS
CPOs, EDBs, Hardware Providers, Energy Retailers
Recommendations that directly shape the commercial environment for charging infrastructure deployment — covering network connection, regulatory oversight, building code mandates, smart charging standards, and heavy freight corridor co-funding.
| Policy Area / Pillar | Recommendation | Rec # |
|---|---|---|
| Public Charging Infrastructure | Implement a mandatory national digital tool providing real-time visibility of network capacity, reducing site assessment costs and accelerating deployment. | Rec 4.1 |
| Public Charging Infrastructure | Establish Electricity Authority oversight of EDB connection performance — including monitoring of timeframes and costs — with intervention powers where progress stalls. Develop targeted support for high-cost locations where connection costs remain prohibitive. | Rec 4.2 |
| Home, Work & Private Charging | Introduce Right to Charge legislation preventing landlords from unreasonably withholding consent for tenants to install EV charging equipment. | Rec 4.3 |
| Home, Work & Private Charging | Update the Building Code: require 100% of new residential parking spaces to be EV Ready, and 20% of new commercial spaces (10+ spaces) to be EV Ready. Territorial authorities to retain the ability to set higher requirements. | Rec 4.4 |
| Home, Work & Private Charging | Require all new dedicated charging installations to be Smart-Ready, aligned with EECA’s smart charging programme, and support nationally consistent, technology-neutral export standards for distributed energy resources including V2G. | Rec 4.5 |
| Heavy Transport Corridor Charging | Establish a co-funding programme for high-power depot and public charging at freight hubs along the state highway network, modelled on the Netherlands SPULA scheme. Actively invite private operators including OEM-backed ventures to develop and operate arterial route and port charging infrastructure. | Rec 4.6 |
| Demand-Side Drivers | FBT exemptions for zero-emission LCVs — drives corporate fleet electrification and increases utilisation of public and workplace charging. | Rec 3.1 |
| Demand-Side Drivers | Accelerated depreciation for heavy EV depot charging infrastructure — directly reduces the payback period for depot investment decisions. | Rec 3.4 |
07 ELECTRICITY GENERATORS & RETAILERS
Gentailers, Independent Generators, Electricity Retailers
Transport electrification is a direct demand-side growth opportunity for generators and retailers. These recommendations shape the commercial and regulatory environment for electricity as a transport fuel, and for distributed energy resources including V2G.
| Policy Area / Pillar | Recommendation | Rec # |
|---|---|---|
| Demand Growth | FBT exemptions for zero-emission LCVs — accelerates corporate fleet electrification and increases electricity consumption from the transport sector. | Rec 3.1 |
| Demand Growth | Salary sacrifice and novated lease framework — extends EV demand signals beyond corporate fleets to individual employees, growing the overall EV fleet and electricity demand. | Rec 3.2 |
| Demand Growth | RUC exemptions for heavy EVs to 2032 or 2% of fleet — reduces operating cost barriers and grows heavy fleet electricity consumption. | Rec 3.3 |
| Smart Charging & V2G | Require all new dedicated charging installations to be Smart-Ready, aligned with EECA’s smart charging programme. Support nationally consistent, technology-neutral export standards for distributed energy resources — including solar, batteries, and V2G — that allow safe, dynamic export where local network capacity permits. | Rec 4.5 |
| RUC Reform (Price Signal) | Reform Road User Charges to include an emissions-based component — creating a price signal that incentivises the transition to lower-emission alternatives and structurally strengthens demand for electricity as a transport fuel. | Rec 3.5 |
| Building Code (Load Forecasting) | Update the Building Code to require EV Ready infrastructure in new residential (100%) and commercial (20%) parking — enabling retailers and gentailers to plan for predictable distributed load growth. | Rec 4.4 |
08 ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION BUSINESSES
Lines Companies (EDBs), Network Operators
EDBs are central to the infrastructure deployment story — connection costs, capacity visibility, and network standards all sit within the distribution layer. These recommendations directly affect EDB obligations, oversight, and planning requirements.
| Policy Area / Pillar | Recommendation | Rec # |
|---|---|---|
| Network Capacity & Connection | Implement a mandatory national digital tool providing real-time visibility of network capacity — reducing site assessment costs for CPOs and accelerating public and commercial charging deployment. | Rec 4.1 |
| Network Capacity & Connection | Establish Electricity Authority oversight of EDB connection performance — including monitoring of timeframes and costs — with intervention powers where progress stalls. Develop targeted support mechanisms for high-cost locations where connection costs remain prohibitive for public and business charging. | Rec 4.2 |
| Smart Charging & V2G Standards | Require all new dedicated charging installations to be Smart-Ready, aligned with EECA’s smart charging programme. Support nationally consistent, technology-neutral export standards for distributed energy resources — including solar, batteries, and V2G — that allow safe, dynamic export where local network capacity permits. | Rec 4.5 |
| Building Code (Network Planning) | Update the Building Code to require EV Ready infrastructure in new residential (100%) and commercial (20%) parking — enabling EDBs to plan for and provision against predictable distributed load growth. | Rec 4.4 |
| Heavy Corridor Infrastructure | Co-funding programme for high-power depot and public charging at freight hubs along the state highway network — high-capacity connections at these sites will require EDB coordination and capacity provisioning. | Rec 4.6 |
09 FINANCE, FLEET & INSURANCE
Banks, Fleet Leasing Companies, Insurance Providers
These recommendations shape the demand-side economics of fleet electrification — the segment that drives the domestic pipeline of affordable second-hand EVs for New Zealand families.
| Policy Area / Pillar | Recommendation | Rec # |
|---|---|---|
| Fleet Demand Stimulation | Implement targeted FBT exemptions or reduced rates for zero-emission LCVs — directly influencing corporate fleet purchasing decisions. | Rec 3.1 |
| Fleet Demand Stimulation | Establish a framework supporting salary sacrifice and novated lease arrangements for zero-emission vehicles, enabling employees to access EVs from pre-tax income and accelerating uptake beyond the corporate fleet. | Rec 3.2 |
| Heavy Fleet Economics | Extend RUC exemptions for heavy EVs until 2032 or 2% of the heavy fleet — reducing operating cost uncertainty and improving asset underwriting confidence. | Rec 3.3 |
| Heavy Fleet Economics | Introduce accelerated depreciation for battery-electric heavy vehicles and depot charging infrastructure — improving financing models and shortening payback periods. | Rec 3.4 |
| Price Signal | Reform RUC to include an emissions-based component — strengthening the long-run financial case for EV fleet investment. | Rec 3.5 |