The government is pumping another $11 million into co-funding electric vehicle projects around the country.
Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods announces the fifth round of funding for low-emission vehicle initiatives. Photo: RNZ / Katie Todd
Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods announced the fifth and largest round of funding from the government's Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund in Christchurch this morning.
The 34 new initiatives being supported through the fund include hydrogen fuel cell-powered buses at the Ports of Auckland and electric campervans for tourists.
Together they are set to receive $4m from the government and $7m from the private sector.
Ms Woods says reworking the transport system was one of the most effective ways of reducing carbon emissions.
"And of course the ultimate purpose of this fund is to help New Zealand meet its climate change commitments.
"While we show our country's national beauty to tourists these projects will help us show off our highly renewable electricity as well.
Other projects funded in the past have included establishing a fleet of electric buses in Christchurch and electric delivery vehicles at Foodstuffs supermarkets.
Ms Woods said transitioning from fossil-fuelled transport was one of the most effective ways New Zealand could tackle climate change.