Low emission transport will receive a record boost totalling more than $11 million, Energy and Resources Minister Megan Woods announced today.

'Today I'm announcing the largest round of new funding from the Government's Low Emission Vehicles Contestable Fund yet.

'Thirty one exciting new low emissions transport projects will share over $11 million of funding to help more Kiwis make use of new transport technology."

This funding is made up of $4.3 million of government co-funding and $7.3 million of funds from the private sector.

"That's a smart investment that means the maximum benefit for the taxpayers spend.

'This round of funding focuses on innovative projects that expand the use and possibilities of electric vehicles and other low emissions technology in the transport space.

"It's about making new technology available to help Kiwis get around, lower our carbon emissions and contribute to our economy.

'From 100 per cent electric campervans for tourists to hydrogen fuel cell powered buses at the Ports of Auckland to solar panel charged electric vehicles and trial of smart chargers in people's homes, we're backing new technologies that will make a difference.

'We're also funding a further 34 new public charging spaces for electric vehicles right around New Zealand, including several at South Island tourism hot-spots. This is about creating a truly national infrastructure of EV charging so that all major trips around our country are available to EV users.

'This is by far the biggest round of new projects delivered by the Fund. Each previous round has given the green light to between 14 and 18 projects. In total, the fund has committed $17.2 million in government funding to 93 projects. This is matched by over $45 million applicant funding.

'Transport is responsible for about 18 per cent of New Zealand's total greenhouse gas emissions, so one of the most effective ways for us to help tackle climate change is to transition our fossil-fuelled transport fleet to run on clean, renewable energy sources.

"By helping to roll out that technology to more people than ever, today's announcement helps more Kiwis cut their transport emissions."

For more information about the fund, visit www.eeca.govt.nz/funding-and-support/low-emission-vehicles-contestable-fund/

For general information about EVs, see www.electricvehicles.govt.nz