National opposes cash back scheme for buying EV

The government is offering people thousands of dollars cash-back if they buy an electric vehicle, in a rebate scheme announced yesterday. The scheme will be funded through levies on high-emissions vehicles from 1 January 2022. Transport Minister Michael Wood says the clean car discount will prevent up to nine million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions and will help with the up-front cost of switching from petrol-run vehicles. But it's been met with vigorous opposition from the National and Act Parties, who say it's a tax by stealth that will hit working people. Nathan Rarere spoke with National Party's transport spokesperson, Michael Woodhouse.