In a significant development for electric vehicle (EV) owners in New Zealand, the government has confirmed that road user charges (RUC) will apply to EVs starting April 1 this year. This marks the end of exemptions that were initially introduced to incentivise EV uptake.
The RUC rate for electric vehicles has been set at $76 per 1,000km unit, while plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) will incur a charge of $53 per 1000km. There will also be an additional admin fee, varying based on the method of licence purchase. As EVs and PHEVs transition to RUC in order to contribute to road upkeep, fleet managers and business owners in New Zealand face challenges in managing RUC efficiently and cost-effectively.
Established in 1977, New Zealand’s RUC regime is globally renowned, yet it can be a bit of a puzzle, particularly for those managing diverse fleets. Fleet businesses must adapt as New Zealand pledges to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The surge in low and zero-emission truck and light commercial vehicle adoption demands a meticulous review of RUC management strategies.
Managing RUC can be a mammoth task, involving the old hassle of paperwork – from handling multiple license expiry dates to meticulously calculating off-road travel rebates. Neglecting this responsibility can result in hefty fines, with penalties reaching up to $15,000 for organisations.
Enter Teletrac Navman’s RUC Manager, an electronic Road User Charges (eRUC) solution that addresses these pain points and brings a myriad of benefits to the table.
The automation magic
One of the standout features of RUC Manager is its ability to track vehicle mileage using high-definition GPS data automatically. This not only ensures accurate RUC calculations but also maximises potential refunds. The system utilises Waka Kotahi-approved electronic distance recorders affixed to vehicles, calculating off-road activity and generating precise RUC rebate forms. This level of automation is invaluable for fleet operators, streamlining processes and reducing the risk of fines.
No more cashflow blues
Cashflow management is a critical concern for transport operators. Purchasing RUCs in advance, often in large blocks, can strain cash flow. RUC Manager addresses this by allowing operators to set units to automatically purchase RUC in smaller, more manageable increments, as low as 1,000 km intervals. This not only improves cash flow but also provides the flexibility to adapt to the dynamic needs of the fleet.
Reclaim your time
Time-saving features further enhance the appeal of RUC Manager. Automated licence purchases mean no more drowning in paperwork and manual processing. Licences can be easily distributed to vehicles electronically, and alerts can be set up to notify operators when licenses are approaching expiration.
The off-road claim forms are also prepared automatically and sent directly to Waka Kotahi, reducing administrative burdens. With the time you get back, you can dive into what truly counts for your fleet business, such as enhancing customer satisfaction or upskilling your drivers.
Compliance made easy
The importance of compliance cannot be overstated in the world of fleet management. RUC Manager ensures fleets remain compliant by providing highly accurate distance tracking through high-definition data. The driver-facing odometer display simplifies logbook entries, while evidence-based claims offer electronic records of off-road RUC entitlements, removing the need for paperwork.
Robin Thomas, Owner-Operator of HIAB Transport, says: “Before we installed Teletrac Navman’s RUC Manager, some of the trailers had often travelled more kilometres than we had paid RUC for, which led to a few administrative headaches. Now we don’t have any issues at all with maintaining compliance, everything is monitored online and is easily checked.”
Effortless heavy trailer management
RUC Manager is not limited to prime movers but extends its support to heavy trailers independently. The self-contained, sealed device generates power directly from the wheel’s rotation, eliminating the need for wires and ensuring no interference with the trailer’s ABS, EBS or other systems. Operators can self-install the trailer device for that extra convenience.
Expert guidance
Expert guidance is essential in navigating the shifts in fleet management trends. Teletrac Navman’s dedicated technical customer service team, seasoned sales managers and experts, is committed to providing more than just a product.
Confidence is key, and we aim to empower you to make the most of our advanced technology. Through frequent webinar training sessions and personalised assistance, Teletrac Navman goes beyond conventional support, providing tailored solutions that adapt to your growing fleet.
In the maze of New Zealand’s evolving RUC environment, fleet managers and business owners need a solution thatis not just comprehensive today but also future proof. Teletrac Navman’s RUC Manager offers efficiency, compliance and peace of mind in an era of shifting regulations and environmental commitments.
*Michael Barnard is a transport solutions specialist at Teletrac Navman.
