The government is to introduce a range of measures to reduce the carbon footprint of the vehicle fleet.  It intends to introduce legislation to establish a Clean Car Import Standard.
 
The standard is proposed to begin in 2022, with a target in 2025 of 105 grams of CO2/km being phased in through annual targets that get progressively lower to give importers time to adjust.  This standard is about 4.6 litres per 100km for petrol engines.  This standard was met by Japan in 2014 and Europe in 2020.
 
The government’s website https://rightcar.govt.nz/carbon-emissions has information on the emissions profiles of different vehicles. All electric vehicles will meet this standard.  According to this information, the 2025 target is about the rate of the 2021 Suzuki Swift and is met by Toyota Corolla.  The 2021 model RAV4 SUV is only 5 percent above the standard. 
 
The Minister of Transport, Michael Wood, said the Import Standard will prevent up to 3 million tonnes of CO2 emissions by 2040 and mean more climate-friendly cars are available.  He said the government was also considering options for an “incentive scheme to help Kiwis make the switch to clean cars.”
 
See: Government introducing car import rules aimed at lowering emissions and fuel costs, considering incentive scheme for EVs; and Eco-friendly car import standard legislation to come in this year 

Image: NZ Transport Agency