BMW wants govt to lift NZ’s EV discount threshold to $150,000

BMW’s local arm has emerged as one of a few brands advocating for the government to increase the size of the threshold for the Clean Car Discount. 

As it stands, those who purchase a new fully electric vehicle are eligible to claim a $8,625 rebate as part of the discount following their purchase. The one big proviso behind the scheme is that it only applies to vehicles priced under $80,000. 

In its submission to the government’s Land Transport Amendment Bill, BMW New Zealand said it would recommend the government increase the threshold to $150,000, allowing more of its vehicles to become eligible. 

“This will influence all consumers,” BMW says. “We believe it will add more than 47 per cent to available premium EV volume.”

The brand dangled the additional carrot that these changes could result in more models being launched locally. It says that, as it stands, in 2025 it will launch three new EVs. But with these changes that number could increase to five. 

The threshold exists on the basis that those shopping for a vehicle priced over $80,000 probably don’t need the additional financial helping hand. BMW’s argument it seems is that it doesn’t matter how wealthy the buyer is, any electric vehicle sale is a win. 

The request is one of five requests the brand posted to the select committee. One of the other requests, predictably, was reform to the Clean Car Standard’s timeline. 

“Some CCS penalties are midtimed and contradict CCD rebates and they work against the importer/consumer. We request the CCS targeting timeline is delayed to maximise C02 reduction on ICE vehicles,” adds BMW.

The brand notes its history with electrified vehicles, citing the likes of the i3 and i8 as well as its upcoming smorgasbord of upcoming new plug-in releases (the iX has just landed locally). 

BMW’s comments follow Isuzu Utes New Zealand’s references that the current $80,000 threshold is going to be insufficient once electric utes start to land locally. 

“There needs to be a program to support the uptake of low emissions commercial vehicles – the current $80,000 cap for assistance in the Clean Car Discount doesn’t come close to being useful,” it said in its bill submission.