The New Zealand government is now accepting applications for the Low Emissions Heavy Vehicle Fund (LEHVF), designed to increase the number of zero and low-emission heavy vehicles on the roads. Despite making up only 5% of the fleet, heavy vehicles are responsible for 25% of road transport emissions, highlighting the need for this initiative. 

What the Fund Offers:

Co-Funding: Up to 25% off the purchase price for new zero-emission trucks or conversion costs for existing diesel trucks switching to low or zero-emission technologies.

Eligibility: All New Zealand registered organisations can apply, except for certain government departments and Crown entities.

Vehicle Requirements:

Must weigh at least 5.9 tonnes.

Funding is limited to the cost of the vehicle's cab chassis, not the bodywork.

Existing diesel vehicles must be registered in New Zealand between August 1, 2022, and August 1, 2024, to qualify for conversion funding.

Funding Caps:

Up to $4 million for vehicle importers and suppliers.

Up to $1 million for vehicle operators in the first year.

Encouraged Actions:

Applicants need to choose vehicles or services from an official list available on the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) website.

Interested parties should reach out to approved suppliers or converters for details on grants and application processes.

This initiative aims to lower the costs associated with adopting cleaner transport and is part of New Zealand's broader strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

For more information, visit the EECA website or contact approved suppliers.