Teslas rein in $83m of rebates

Tesla owners have secured a total of $83 million in rebates since the clean car discount (CCD) began in July 2021, according to figures released to the National Party’s transport spokesman Simeon Brown under the Official Information Act.

The marque has sold 9,730 units that have benefited from the feebates scheme, with motorists receiving an average of $8,500 per car, reports the NZ Herald.

The next big winners from the government’s scheme have been Toyota owners who have claimed back $71m in rebates between July 2021 and the end of March this year. 

Other notable figures include $5.1m being paid to Mini buyers, $3m to purchasers of Lexus vehicles and one Porsche buyer receiving a $2,300 subsidy for a Cayenne.

The CCD has long come under fire from opposition parties, which claim people buying light-commercial vehicles are effectively subsidising the purchase of luxury vehicles such as Teslas.

Michael Wood, Minister of Transport, disputed that claim and on May 2 – shortly after announcing plans to shake-up the CCD regime – he told reporters: “More money is paid out and there are far more vehicles sold that are Toyotas than are Teslas.

“The most amount of money has gone to Toyotas and I can absolutely guarantee you that 100 per cent.”.

A few hours later, Wood had to clarify that since the scheme began more money had gone to Tesla models than Toyotas.

However, since the scheme was extended to a full feebates system in April 2022, Toyota vehicles had received more payouts than Teslas. 

Figures show about 38,000 Toyota units have attracted rebates, with the total including hybrids and low-emissions conventional cars as well as used imports.

To watch the minister’s interview following the CCD announcement on May 2, visit the Newshub website.