In recent years, countries worldwide have recognized the importance of transitioning towards sustainable transportation solutions. Electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as a key component in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality and securing a cleaner transport system. The New Zealand government has recently announced a budget allocation of $120 million to expand the country's electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. This investment aims to provide greater certainty to New Zealanders adopting EVs by expanding the national network of charging hubs, so let's explore how this fund compares globally.
1. Norway:
Norway serves as a global leader in EV adoption, with more than 80% of new vehicles sold being electric. The country has achieved this through a combination of financial incentives, infrastructure development, and supportive policies. Norway offers grants covering up to 50% of the cost of establishing public EV charging points, ensuring widespread accessibility and convenience for EV owners, additionally they also offer tax benefits on electric company vehicles and BEVs have been exempt from sales taxes since 2001. Norway introduced a special E-Number plate for EVs which gives authorities the possibility to choose local incentives such as free parking, using bus lanes based on these number plates. In terms of national EV infrastructure, the Norwegian government has already established fast-charging stations every 50 km on all main roads. Regulation on the requirements for electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) in new buildings and parking lots (Norwegian Ministry of Transport, 2016). For parking lots and parking areas of new buildings, a minimum amount of 6 % has to be allocated to electric cars. Norway has set an ambitious goal to have all new passenger cars and vans sold as zero-emission vehicles by 2025.
2. Germany:
Germany has set ambitious targets to have 7-10 million EVs on its roads by 2030. To achieve this, the German government has implemented various funding programs to support the installation of charging infrastructure. For example, the "Charging Infrastructure Master Plan" provides grants to municipalities, businesses, and private individuals for establishing charging points. Additionally, Germany's "Investment Program for Charging Infrastructure" offers funding for fast-charging stations along highways. Germany aims to have 7-10 million electric vehicles on the road by 2030. There will be a EUR 2.5 billion fund to speed up the ramp-up of charging infrastructure and facilitate research in e-mobility and battery cell manufacturing. The German government aims to equip at least 50 % of all pit stops with fast-charging infrastructure by the end of 2024, and at least 75 % by the end of 2026.
3. United States:
The United States has been at the forefront of EV adoption efforts. The Federal Government, through the Department of Energy, offers various grants and funding opportunities to incentivize the installation of EV charging infrastructure. The "Charge America" initiative, for example, aims to deploy 500,000 charging stations across the country by 2030, with an investment of $4.5 billion. Additionally, several states, including California, offer additional grants and incentives to encourage the development of EV charging infrastructure. President Biden's goal is to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and EVs are seen as a crucial part of achieving this objective, additionally, some states such as California, have established their own targets for EV adoption, aiming for 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035.
4. United Kingdom:
The United Kingdom has been at the forefront of promoting EV adoption and has made substantial investments in charging infrastructure. The government's Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme provides grants of up to £350 to support the installation of home EV charging points. Furthermore, the On-street Residential Chargepoint Scheme provides funding for local authorities to install on-street charging infrastructure. The UK's funding programs are extensive and comprehensive. The UK government announced a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, with hybrids allowed until 2035. Their aim is to have all new cars and vans be fully zero-emission by 2035.
5. France:
France has been a frontrunner in promoting EV adoption. Their incentive program includes grants for businesses to install EV charging facilities, along with subsidies for EV purchases. Their goal is to have 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035.
7. Sweden:
Sweden aims to have a fossil fuel-free vehicle fleet by 2030. To achieve this, the government provides grants to businesses and individuals for installing charging infrastructure. Additionally, they offer tax breaks and exemptions to EV owners. Between 2018 and 2020, SEK 90 million (EUR 8,7 million) will be annually allocated to support home chargers with up to 50 % or SEK 10 000 (EUR 960) for hardware and installation costs.
8. Canada:
Canada has set a goal to achieve 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2040. The Canadian government offers grants to businesses, local governments, and workplaces for installing EV charging stations to fund between 50-75% of installation costs of EV Charging Projects. They also provide purchase incentives for EV buyers.
9. the Australian government has set a target to have all new car sales be electric vehicles by 2035.
New Zealand by comparison:
The Government has a goal that, where practicable, its vehicle fleet will be emission-free by 2025/26. As of June 2023, Plug-in electric vehicles represent 1.77% of the vehicle fleet in New Zealand (https://www.transport.govt.nz/area-of-interest/environment-and-climate-change/electric-vehicles-programme/).