Zero Chargers, Zero Sense: Bin the $170m EV Blunder

The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on the Government to scrap its $170 million EV charger programme, after revelations that no chargers have been installed and the expected environmental benefits are minuscule.

Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf, said:

“The Government has allocated $170 million for EV chargers and has absolutely nothing to show for it. A year on, not a single charger has been installed. This is a masterclass in waste.”

“Even if it were delivered tomorrow the emissions savings don't even meet the Government’s own threshold for significance, not to mention that under the Emissions Trading Scheme this programme won’t reduce New Zealand’s net emissions by even a gram.”

“There is a fundamental misunderstanding of the ETS by the government. Because of the ETS, any reduction in transport emissions here simply frees up carbon credits for other emitters to emit more. So even if the scheme removed transport emissions entirely, it would still be a waste of money as net emissions would be identical.”

“In other words, the EV chargers are an expensive token gesture. Kiwis can’t afford to throw good money after bad, especially in a cost-of-living crisis.”

“When money is tight, every dollar needs to go towards things that actually make a difference. This programme clearly doesn’t.”

“The Government should cut its losses and scrap the EV charger scheme immediately.”