D
614 days ago

EV car running costs tripled you may ask? RUC? Or be dammed about the environment.

David from Glenfield

I bought a pure EV Ioniq 2021 car last year. Lots of reasons environment etc. mainly running costs. I knew RUC ((Road users charges)) were coming. But when they confirmed the amount, I was shocked.
Currently my EV cost to run approx. $3 /100k plus RUC of $7.60 it is about to be $10.60
My wifes pure petrol car approximately similar size, cost to run approximately $13.75/100km (5 liters) also. broken down though petrol excise duty (petrol equivalent of RUC) @0.70c per l = $3.50 that is a huge increase of RUC over 100% for EV, WHY?
I do believe in user pays but begs the question why double because I pay less for the fuel, being electric? We are supposed to be green sustainable country and yet those like me, are penalized for doing the right thing. In fact, if I had a car double the weight which would cause more damage to the roads it's the same price not more for the expensive RUC, So unjust and unfair.
If there was a stepped for small EV, medium EV and heavy EV, and huge 3-3.5 tones, that would be fair. RUC charges all pure EV and diesel up to 3.5 Tonne are all priced the same.
Only way to escape it if I had a super light small EV car and I would not have to pay at all. Anyone selling a 999kgs or less EV? Maybe move to hybrid non pluggable petrol car and have smaller running cost and be dammed about the environment?
I edited as my run to Hamilton there and back was $6 which is 200km...

More messages from your neighbours
15 days ago

Some Choice News!

Kia pai from Sharing the Good Stuff

Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.

Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.

Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?

Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!

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1 day ago

Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.

Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔

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Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
  • 73% We work hard, we deserve a break!
    73% Complete
  • 17.5% Hmm, maybe?
    17.5% Complete
  • 9.5% Yes!
    9.5% Complete
263 votes
3 hours ago

Have you seen Rowena?

The Team from New Zealand Police

Police are urgently appealing for sightings of Rowena, 39, reported missing from Christchurch.

She was reported missing to Police on 22 October 2025, and was last seen on 14 August 2025. Rowena hasn’t been in contact with her children and her family are worried for her safety.

Police investigating her disappearance have identified her as being in Auckland, Tauranga and Christchurch in the recent months prior to her missing person report being made.

If you have seen Rowena, or have any information regarding her whereabouts, please contact us immediately.
You can contact us via 105 either over the phone or online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” and referencing file number 251022/9026.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

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