The first two funding rounds of the Government’s new look Low Emission Transport Fund are now open for applications.

“The LETF has a broadened scope from its previous existence as the Low Emission Vehicle Contestable Fund, with wider eligibility for projects on and off-road, with increased funding to help accelerate the decarbonisation of the transport sector, through innovative transport technology and infrastructure,” said Minister of Energy and Resources Dr Megan Woods.

“The LETF is designed to support the demonstration of high potential and replicable solutions and low emission technology adoption. As transport makes up around 21% of New Zealand’s total greenhouse gas emissions, decarbonising the sector is of vital importance. Our commitment to tackling this challenge is resolute.”

The first round will provide co-funding for low emission vehicles and transport technology. The second round will focus on the installation of further public charging infrastructure.

Total funding will reach up to $25 million per year by 2023/24, with the Government increasing its contribution to up to $12.5 million per year by 2023/24, as announced in Budget 2021.

Further rounds will open in 2022 with additional focus areas, including off-road and in the marine and aviation sectors.

“We know early action is vital to speed up the design and up-take of low emissions solutions which can then be replicated at a commercial scale. This fund is about stimulating these solutions and building on the success of the LEVCF,” Woods said.

Across the LEVCF’s 10 rounds, 202 low-emission projects were approved, receiving $35.8 million in co-funding. Project recipients invested $77.8 million themselves.

Projects were co-funded for everything from EV charging to heavy transport to electric car share schemes for community groups. 

“New Zealand organisations have found innovative, carbon conscious solutions for their transport needs, and I’m really looking forward to seeing what will come out of the LETF,” said Woods.