The heavy electric vehicle road user charges exemption will end on 30 June 2027.
Heavy electric vehicles will therefore become liable for road user charges from 1 July 2027.
In reaching this decision, Cabinet noted the potential disruption to public transport bus services if the exemption expired as set under current legislation on 31 December 2025.
The Government continues to see an important role for the uptake of heavy electric vehicles in New Zealand’s heavy vehicle fleet, however it is their view that these vehicles should begin contributing transport funding in proportion to the wear and tear they cause on the road network.
The 2027 end to the exemption delivers benefits to all operators of heavy electric vehicles compared with the currently legislated end date.
Operators need to ensure they have updated any relevant contracts they hold with clients to account for the cost of heavy electric vehicle road user charges from the end date.
The New Zealand Transport Agency will contact owners of heavy electric vehicles and make relevant information available on its website to provide support for these vehicles coming into the road user charges system. This information will become available throughout 2026.
The Minister’s letter outlining this decision is HERE
This decision provides clarity for members that are looking at adding a heavy electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicle to their fleet.
There are an increasing number of trucks entering the market and it is likely that this extension will incentivise uptake.
NRC will be ensuring that any shortfall in RUC is compensated for by direct crown funding as it is essential that maintaining our infrastructure cannot be compromised.
