EV car running costs tripled you may ask? RUC? Or be dammed about the environment.
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...
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.6% Second half of November
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43.4% 1st December
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17.6% A week before Christmas
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33.2% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.8% Yes
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14.6% No
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2.6% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.