Applications for new rounds of the Low Emission Transport Fund are now open.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority will run two RFP processes for co-funding projects that will accelerate the decarbonising of New Zealand’s transport sector. Up to $6 million is available for co-funding.

Round 3 is for applications for projects that demonstrate low-emission vehicles, outboard motors, and technology. Round 4 is for applications for public EV charging infrastructure projects in specific locations.

Applicants have until 25 May 25 and June 1, respectively, to submit proposals, and successful projects will be announced later in 2022 by Minister of Energy and Resources, Dr Megan Woods.

EECA CEO, Andrew Caseley, said the LETF has a strong record of delivering projects that will help drive the uptake of more climate-friendly transport options in New Zealand.

“The most recent funding round, and our market scan, shows there’s huge interest in this space. Earlier this year we approved funding for the country’s first electric milk tanker; 25 superfast EV chargers, including a large investment by Z Energy to install super-fast EV chargers on some of its forecourts; and a project converting a diesel engine to run on a green hydrogen/diesel hybrid, among others,” Caseley said.

EECA was taking a different approach to funding EV charging in this latest funding round.

“We’ve proactively identified the key remaining gaps in the state highway EV charging network and we’re calling for applications to fill those with chargers at a limited set of locations,” said Caseley.

“This investment focus is part of our evolving EV Journey Public Charging Roadmap, which will further build out the network to help give EV drivers the confidence they need when it comes to charging their vehicles.”