It is a legal requirement to display the label on all light vehicles under 3.5 tonnes offered for sale, except for motorbikes, provided the information is available.

EECA administers the Vehicle Emissions and Energy Economy Labelling programme and compliance with the Regulations in New Zealand.

What information does the label include?

  • Vehicle make and model.
  • Vehicle type – petrol, diesel, electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid.
  • The amount of the Rebate or Fee under the Clean Car programme, if applicable.
  • Energy economy star rating - up to 6 stars for the most fuel efficient vehicles.
  • Carbon dioxide emissions star rating — up to 6 stars for the lowest emission vehicles.
  • Carbon dioxide emissions in grams per kilometre – tailpipe emissions.
  • Fuel economy in litres per 100 km – for petrol and diesel vehicles.
  • Electricity economy in kWh per 100 km – for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
  • Electric mode range in kilometres – for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
  • Estimated yearly running costs — based on stated energy price and driving 14,000 km. Includes road user charges for diesels.

What do the new labels look like?

The new labels are colour coded depending on whether a Clean Car 'Rebate', 'Fee' or 'No Rebate or Fee' may apply. In addition to emissions, there several other criteria a vehicle needs to meet under the Clean Car programme to be eligible for a Rebate or Fee.

Green label: Rebate may apply

Vehicle criteria

  • Previously unregistered vehicles
  • CO2 emissions are below 147g/km
  • Safety rating is at least 3 stars
  • The sale price is below $80,000 including on road costs and GST

Red label: Fee may apply

Vehicle criteria

  • Previously unregistered vehicles
  • CO2 emissions are above 191g/km

Blue label: No Fee or Rebate applies

This could be due to a number of reasons including:

  • the vehicle has been previously registered
  • the vehicle's CO2 emissions are in the neutral zone
  • the vehicle is below the minimum 3-star safety rating
  • the sale price is $80,000 and above including on road costs and GST

How does the label help?

  • Consumers

    Consumers can choose the most energy efficient and lowest CO2 emitting car that meets their needs, and factor in running costs as well as purchase price.

  • Importers and manufacturers

    Importers and manufacturers can use this information to promote the efficiency and running costs of their vehicles.

  • Motor vehicle traders

    Motor vehicle traders can use the label to help customers choose more energy efficient and lower CO2 emissions vehicles with lower running costs.

Emissions and Economy testing standard

 The Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Testing Procedure (WLTP) is an international standard for testing the energy economy, emissions and electric vehicle (EV) range of passenger and light commercial vehicles. WLTP standardised vehicle data is displayed on EECA’s Vehicle Emissions and Energy Economy Label and for online vehicle sales to help consumers choose lower emissions, energy efficient vehicles.

Find out more about vehicle emissions and energy economy testing

  • Labelling for electric vehicles

    You can use the label to compare efficiency and running costs of plug-in EVs with other types of car. The EV label shows fuel economy in kilowatt hours per 100km and includes a manufacturer’s declared range showing how far the car may be expected to go on a full charge.
  • Need some help?

    Contact us with any questions about the Vehicle Emissions and Energy Economy Label.

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