The new Vehicle Emissions and Energy Economy label launched on April 1

Approximately half of New Zealand's energy-related emissions come from transport, of which two-thirds come from light vehicles – cars, SUVs, vans, utes and trucks under 3.5 tonnes.

The Vehicle Fuel Economy Label allows consumers to directly compare the fuel consumption of different makes and models to help them choose the most fuel-efficient vehicle that meet their needs.

The Government has implemented new measures to take action on transport emissions to help meet New Zealand’s 2050 carbon neutral target by reducing greenhouse gas emissions (primarily carbon dioxide) to 30% below 2005 levels by 2030.

The new label

The new Vehicle Emissions and Energy Economy Label (VEEEL) supports the focus on transport emissions reduction and the growing role of low emission vehicles. The label also provides key information at vehicle point of sale to support the Government's Clean Car Programme.

On 1 April 2022, the programme was expanded to offer a range of rebates for imported new and used zero and low emission vehicles. The Clean Car Programme is administered by Waka Kotahi.

EECA's new Vehicle Emissions and Energy Economy Label allows consumers to directly compare the emissions and energy consumption of different vehicles and make it easier to choose to buy an electric or low-emission light vehicle that's better for the environment.

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.

Frequently asked questions

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 Rebate or Fee 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