EVs on the Rise: What NZ’s Clean Car Shift Means for Scrap Vehicles?
The world is changing, and so are the cars we drive. More and more people in New Zealand are switching to electric vehicles (EVs) as the country moves towards a cleaner future. This shift is great for the environment, but what does it mean for older cars?
At Taha Auto Group, we deal with thousands of scrap vehicles, and we are already seeing the effects of this big change. If you’re wondering what will happen to petrol and diesel cars as more EVs hit the road, this article will explain everything in simple terms.
Let’s Understanding the Clean Car Programme
New Zealand’s Clean Car Programme is a government plan to reduce transport pollution by boosting electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids. Launched in 2021, it sets strict CO2 limits for imported cars (Clean Car Standard) and initially offered rebates for low-emission vehicles (Clean Car Discount, ended in 2023).
The goal is for 30% of cars to be zero-emission by 2035, pushing older petrol cars to retire. This shift makes recycling scrap vehicles essential for a greener future. The Clean Car Standard tells car companies they need to bring more clean cars to New Zealand.
Here’s what you need to know:
- By 2035, 30% of all cars on NZ roads must be zero-emission (like EVs).
- High-polluting vehicles (like old diesel trucks or smoky cars) could be banned or face big fines starting in 2025.
- The government is spending $4.5 billion to help families switch to EVs, especially those who can’t afford them
the programme is making EVs more accessible and driving demand for vehicle recycling. This transition highlights the growing importance of responsible car scrapping and part recycling, ensuring a sustainable future for New Zealand’s transport sector.
Key Milestones in NZ’s Clean Car Journey
Why is New Zealand Moving to EVs?
New Zealand wants to reduce pollution and lower carbon emissions. Traditional petrol and diesel cars release harmful gases that damage the environment.
EVs, on the other hand, run on electricity and produce zero emissions while driving. Here are the main reasons why the government is pushing for more EVs:
1. Government Support
The Clean Car Discount was introduced to encourage people to buy EVs by giving them rebates. Even though this scheme ended in 2023, the government still promotes EVs through incentives and stricter vehicle emission standards.
2. Lower Running Costs
EVs cost much less to run than petrol or diesel cars. Charging an EV at home is cheaper than filling up a fuel tank, and electric motors require less maintenance than internal combustion engines.
3. More Charging Stations
New Zealand is building more EV charging stations, making it easier for people to switch from petrol cars. By 2030, most major highways and cities will have enough chargers for long road trips.
4. Car Companies Going Electric
Big car brands like Toyota, Nissan, Tesla, BYD, Ford, and Hyundai are producing more electric models. As a result, more second-hand EVs are entering the market, making them more affordable for Kiwis.
What Happens to Petrol and Diesel Cars?
With more people choosing EVs, older petrol and diesel cars are either being scrapped or sold overseas. But why?
1. Lower Demand for Petrol Cars
As more people buy EVs, fewer people want petrol or diesel cars. This means their resale value is dropping, making them less profitable for sellers.
2. Stricter Import Rules
New Zealand has introduced stricter rules for importing cars with high emissions. From 2025, many older petrol and diesel vehicles will not meet these standards and won’t be allowed into the country.
3. Scrap Car Boom
Because older vehicles are harder to sell, more people are scrapping them. At Taha Auto Group, we have seen a rise in the number of old cars coming in for recycling. Many people now prefer to sell their old cars for scrap rather than keep them.
EVs vs. Petrol Cars: Why the Switch Matters
- Zero Tailpipe Pollution: EVs don’t release smoke or harmful gases .
- Cheaper to Run: Charging an EV costs less than buying petrol—like paying $1.60 per liter instead of $3.00 .
- Quiet and Smooth: No loud engines!
Petrol Cars Are Becoming Dinosaurs
- Expensive: Fuel costs keep rising.
- Polluting: One petrol car emits 4.6 tonnes of CO2 yearly—that’s like burning 500 balloons of gas every day .
- Outdated: By 2040, many countries will stop selling petrol cars altogether .
See Latest Vehicle Registrations Trends: NZTA Statistics
How Does This Affect Scrap Vehicles?
1. More Cars Being Recycled
With more petrol and diesel cars becoming scrap, the auto recycling industry is growing. Companies like Taha Auto Group are helping car owners dispose of their vehicles in an eco-friendly way.
2. Higher Demand for Used Parts
As petrol cars get scrapped, their spare parts are sold to people still driving similar models. This means that used car parts are now more valuable than ever before.
3. Changing Scrap Metal Prices
Scrap yards collect materials like steel, aluminum, and copper from old cars. With more EVs using lightweight aluminum and rare metals for batteries, the price of these materials is rising. In the future, scrapyards may make more money recycling EVs instead of traditional cars.
What About EVs? Can They Be Scrapped?
Many people think EVs last forever, but they also wear out. EVs have batteries that degrade over time, usually after 10 to 15 years. So, what happens when an EV reaches the end of its life?
1. Battery Recycling
EV batteries contain materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, which can be reused. Companies are working on better ways to recycle EV batteries instead of dumping them in landfills.
2. Specialized Dismantling
Because EVs have different parts than petrol cars, they need special handling when scrapped. Mechanics must remove high-voltage batteries carefully to avoid accidents.
3. Future Scrap EV Industry
Right now, most EVs in New Zealand are still on the road, but by 2035 or 2040, many will need recycling. This will create a new industry focused on dismantling and reusing EV parts.
The Future of Scrap Vehicles in NZ
New Zealand is moving towards a cleaner, greener future with EVs on the rise. This shift means that older petrol and diesel cars will soon disappear, making the scrap vehicle industry more important than ever.
At Taha Auto Group, we are already seeing more cars being scrapped, and we expect EV recycling to become the next big thing. If you have an old vehicle, now is the best time to sell it for cash before it loses more value. For fast, easy, and hassle-free car removal, contact Taha Auto Group today!