Hey there, road warriors!
If you’re cruising around New Zealand’s stunning landscapes in your trusty electric vehicle (EV) or diesel-powered machine, there’s something new on the horizon you’ll want to know about. Say hello to Bonnet – your go-to app for effortlessly tracking your Road User Charges (RUC)!
Starting April 1, 2024, a new chapter unfolds for light electric vehicles. You’ll need to snag yourself a RUC license to keep zipping along those scenic routes hassle-free. But fear not! Bonnet’s got your back with its new RUC tracking calculator feature, and guess what? It’s absolutely free!
Understanding RUC for Electric Vehicles
So, what’s the deal with RUC? Well, it’s essentially your contribution to maintaining New Zealand’s roadways. While most drivers pay through fuel tax, EV owners will chip in via RUC. Bonnet is here to help ensure a smooth transition!
Let’s break it down:
Types of Electric Vehicles Covered: If your ride is powered fully, or partially from externally supplied electricity, and falls within the 1001kg–3500kg weight range, you’re in the RUC club.
Pricing: The RUC rates vary depending on your EV type (From the NZTA website as at 12.30pm 28.03.2024).
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs)
Powered exclusively by electricity, and plugs in to charge. You’ll pay the usual light vehicle RUC rate of $76.00 per 1000km.
Plug-in petrol hybrid vehicle
Uses both petrol and electricity, and can plug in to charge. You’ll pay a lower RUC rate of $38.00 per 1000km. This is because you already pay some fuel excise duty when you buy petrol.
Plug-in diesel hybrid vehicle
Uses both diesel and electricity, and can plug in to charge. You’ll pay the usual light vehicle RUC rate of $76.00 per 1000km.
Hybrid diesel vehicles
Uses both diesel and electricity, but can’t plug in to charge. You’ll already be buying RUC and paying the usual light vehicle RUC rate of $76.00 per 1000km.
Hybrid petrol vehicles
Uses both petrol and electricity, but can’t plug in to charge. You won’t need to buy RUC, as you already pay fuel excise duty when you buy petrol.
Very light electric vehicles
These vehicles are powered solely by electricity, and weigh less than 1000kg (for example electric motorcycles or mopeds). You won’t need to buy RUC for these vehicles.
Purchasing your first RUC License:
Hold your horses until April 1, 2024, and make sure to grab your RUC license by May 31, 2024.
When you buy your first RUC you’ll need, your vehicle’s plate number and the current odometer reading. Purchase your first RUC here >>
If online isn’t an option, go to a RUC agent in person. View agents here >>
Managing your RUC ongoing through Bonnet:
Bonnet simplifies the process – just enter your vehicle’s plate number and current odometer reading, and we’ll show you of how many RUCs you have remaining. By regularly updating your odometer in Bonnet, you’ll be able to monitor your RUC balance, and we’ll remind you when it’s running low.
When you’re ready to purchase more, simply click ‘Purchase More RUCs’ below your RUCs circle in Bonnet and follow the process.
Why Choose Bonnet?
Now, you might be wondering, “Why Bonnet?” Well, besides being your RUC guru, Bonnet offers a seamless experience. Just punch in your vehicle’s plate number, and we’ll fetch all the necessary data not only in regards to your RUC license, but your WOF, Rego, Service notes and many more features to come! It’s that easy!
But wait, there’s more! For businesses managing fleets, our web app is the ultimate solution. Easily oversee your entire fleet’s RUC status and keep those wheels turning without a hitch.
Sign Up to Bonnet Now on Desktop >>
Join the Bonnet Community Today!
With the RUC exemption for EVs coming to an end, it’s time to gear up and stay on track with Bonnet. Don’t miss a beat – download the Bonnet app now and take charge of your RUCs, whether you’re rocking an electric dream machine or a diesel powerhouse.
Let’s make every journey a smooth ride together.
Sign Up to Bonnet Now on Desktop >>
Or Download the Bonnet app free, Free on either App Store!