Plug-in hybrid owners look to be trying to swerve new Government Road User Charges.

The exemption for electric vehicles ends from April, and light EV owners will pay $76 for every 1000 kilometres travelled.

Owners of plug-in hybrids will pay $53, because they also pay tax on fuel.

One plug-in owner, Peter Garlick, says he wants to remove its electric plug to avoid paying double taxes.

"So, an about 120 kilometre round trip into Nelson- I get 15 of those Ks off the mains power, and the other 105 kilometres I'm using petrol. And I'm paying more road user taxes on that petrol already."

LISTEN ABOVE

Plug-in hybrid owners look to be trying to swerve new Government Road User Charges.
The exemption for electric vehicles ends from April, and light EV owners will pay $76 for every 1000 kilometres travelled.
Owners of plug-in hybrids will pay $53, because they also pay tax on fuel.
One plug-in owner, Peter Garlick, says he wants to remove its electric plug to avoid paying double taxes.
"So, an about 120 kilometre round trip into Nelson- I get 15 of those Ks off the mains power, and the other 105 kilometres I'm using petrol. And I'm paying more road user taxes on that petrol already."
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.