James Shaw says electric car incentives coming 'soon'

New Zealand's petrol prices are heating up, and it's got a lot of people fuming.

As we continue to get burned for filling up, we've had it confirmed that our planet is at serious risk of overheating.

It's simple: anything more than a 1.5-degree rise in global temperatures would spell disaster - yet our Government is unable to say when we'll start seeing a drop in our emissions.

A recent study shows that if we don't act soon, petrol prices could be the least of our problems.

Climate Change Minister James Shaw, whose ministerial car is electric, says we should see electric vehicles for more Kiwis soon.

"We've got a big programme of work in Government looking at how to bring down the up-front cost of the vehicles, because that's really putting a lot of people off at the moment," he said.

"The running costs are pretty good - it's 30 cents a litre which, compared to petrol, is pretty competitive. "

He says at this stage, he doesn't know how much those buying electric cars will get back, and says it'll depend on the model of the car.

But people can start making a difference now by taking the bus if they can and keeping political pressure on, Mr Shaw said.

"By the year 2030, our emissions will be a third lower than they were in 2005. In the next 10 years, we really have to bend that curve."

Mr Shaw says the package and incentive to buy electrical vehicles will be out "soon".

Newshub. 

Contact Newshub with your story tips:
news@newshub.co.nz