The policy establishes a $27.75 million Low Emissions Heavy Vehicle Fund (LEHVF) grant scheme to accelerate the uptake of low-emissions heavy vehicles in New Zealand from 2024-2025. This grant scheme will support ‘first movers’ by addressing the purchase price barrier to the adoption of ZEHVs in New Zealand. The appropriation for this fund is provided by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) through the Clean Heavy Vehicles Grants 2023-2028.

Objectives of the Fund:
a. Continue to build the transport sector’s confidence to invest in the adoption of zero emission trucks, non-public transport buses and heavy vans beyond demonstration, by supporting integration of zero emissions vehicles into their fleets
b. Gather insights into other operational barriers to widespread uptake and commercialisation, such as charging and refuelling requirements and behaviour change amongst operators
c. Provide market signals to international original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), with the intent of encouraging supply of ZEHVs to New Zealand