What is the Clean Car Programme?

What is the Clean Car Programme?

The purpose of the Clean Car Programme is to help New Zealand achieve its goal to be carbon neutral by making low emission vehicles more affordable. Whether you chose a zero or low emission vehicle, you’re doing your part to help reduce New Zealand's CO₂ levels, while going easy on your bank account with the Clean Car rebate.

The Clean Car Standard and the Clean Car Discount form the central pillars of a range of government initiatives to tackle transport sector CO₂ emission levels and help address climate change. 

As a quick guideline:

  • The Clean Car Discount is designed to encourage customers to purchase lower emission new and used import vehicles. 
  • The Clean Car Standard is a target set by the Government designed to encourage vehicle importers and distributors to sell low or no emission vehicles. The targets are based on vehicle weight and will become progressively lower each year.
  • On 1 July 2023 the Clean Car Discount was amended. CO₂  emission values ​​have been updated and tightened. This means that rebates for low-emission vehicles that were previously eligible for rebate may have been reduced or are now neutral. Neutral cars may now incur fees, and the fee vehicles may incur higher fees.
Frequently asked questions
Honda Eligible Rebate Cars

Honda Eligible Rebate Cars

These new Hondas are eligible for a Clean Car Rebate from 1 July 2023:

  • Jazz RS - $2,242*
  • Jazz RS Mugen - $2,242*
  • Jazz Luxe Sport - $2,242*

*Terms & conditions apply

Check out Jazz RS Check out Jazz RS Mugen Check out Jazz Luxe Sport
Honda Neutral Clean Cars

Honda Neutral Clean Cars

These Honda models are Clean Car Neutral thanks to their efficient engines. If purchased and registered after 1 July 2023 these neutral vehicles attract no fee (tax) and fall in the Government's 'Zero' band:

  • Jazz Crosstar
  • ZR-V Sport
  • CR-V RS
Check out Honda's new car range
What does this mean for your next car purchase?

What does this mean for your next car purchase?

The Clean Car Programme consists of rebates and fees for new and used eligible vehicles the first time they are registered in New Zealand, based on CO₂ emissions. The Programme was first introduced on 1 April 2022.  From 1 July 2023 rebates and fees for the Clean Car discount have been updated. 

For consistency, the Government has converted all of the car manufacturer's fuel economy and CO₂ emission figures to the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (3P-WLTP) emissions testing regime. The Clean Car rebate or fee is then calculated using these figures.

The higher the CO₂ emissions, the greater the fee in recognition of the increased environmental and economic costs they are imposing. Buyers choosing zero or low-emission vehicles may be eligible for a cashback rebate. The lower the emissions the greater the cashback rebate. Vehicles with low to moderate emissions are classified as neutral and do not incur a fee and are not eligible for a cashback rebate.

How to apply for the clean car rebate

How to apply for the clean car rebate

To apply for a cashback rebate you'll need:

  • To be the first registered person for the vehicle (exception is if a vehicle is registered to a lessee (you, our customer) by a leasing company (lessor, Honda New Zealand)
  • A copy of the vehicle offer and sale agreement (or such alternative documentation as the Agency deems necessary in the circumstances)
  • Proof of the registered person's (or lessor's) bank account 
  • GST number if the vehicle is being used for business purposes.
Apply for the clean car rebate
Honda e:TECHNOLOGY

Honda e:TECHNOLOGY

Honda has declared that our intention is to lead the effort to achieve a carbon-free society as part of our 2030 Vision to “serve people worldwide with the ‘joy of expanding their life’s potential.” Our initiatives are designed to improve mobility and protect the environment for future generations to come.

Our e:HEV powertrain is a clever power control unit. It is an advanced and intelligent, self-charging hybrid powertrain - e:HEV - that combines effortless driving with performance you can really feel. 

Frequently asked questions

What vehicles are eligible?

Vehicles eligible for the Clean Car discount:

- Low-emission light vehicles first registered in New Zealand from 1 July 2023 based on the sliding scale of CO₂ emissions. 

- The vehicle has at least a 3 star or more safety rating as mentioned in the Rightcar website.

- The vehicle is under $80,000 including GST and on-road costs.

How is the Clean Car Rebate calculated?

Simply put it is based on the amount of CO₂ the car emits.

  • Cashback Rebate: from zero to 100g of CO₂
  • Neutral or Zero band: from 101g – 149g (g CO₂/km)
  • Fee or Tax is additionally charged: from 150g and above.

In more detail:

  • For consistency, the Government has converted all of the car manufacturer's fuel economy and CO₂ emission figures to the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (3P-WLTP) emissions testing regime.
  • The Clean Car rebate or fee is then calculated using these figures. The higher the CO₂ g/km rating the greater the fee you will have to pay - up to $6,900 for a new car or $3,450 for a used import. The lower the CO₂ g/km rating the greater the rebate. You will be able to claim back up to $7,015 for a new car. With a vehicle over 100 CO₂ g/km and under 150 CO₂ g/km, you will not have to pay the fee or receive a rebate.

How is the Clean Car Rebate or Cashback paid?

The rebate or cashback is paid by Waka Kotahi (New Zealand Transport Agency) after purchase and registration of the vehicle. The amount is not deducted from the price at time of sale at Honda Stores (physical or online).

To learn more click here. To apply for a rebate click here.

Do Clean Car Rebates apply to all cars?

No, they apply only to new registrations from 1 July 2023. 

Do Clean Car Rebates apply to Honda Certified Used Cars?

No. New Zealand-new used cars are not eligible for the Clean Car Discount or Fees.

How is the fee paid/collected?

The fee is paid to Waka Kotahi (New Zealand Transport Agency) at the time of registration, and a vehicle will not be registered until payment has been made. Honda will collect the fee from you and make payment to Waka Kotahi on your behalf so the vehicle can be registered.

Do the Clean Car Rebates and Fees affect my lease quote with Honda?

Any rebate is applied automatically to lease quotes. When you go ahead with a lease, you sign a form that enables Honda to claim the rebate on your behalf. 

Do Clean Car fees and rebates apply to renewing my car's registration?

No. The fees and discounts discussed on this page are just at the time of first registration. 

Clean Car Discount (CCD) rebates and fees are valid for eligible vehicles registered from 1st July 2023 for the first time. Rebates and fees are administered by Waka Kotahi (NZ Transport Agency) and are subject to change at their discretion at any time, this is based on their terms and conditions. For more information and eligibility criteria please visit www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicles.