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

• EV sales plunge, petrol and diesel vehicles surge
• Hybrid owners trying to remove plugs to avoid road user charges
• $1000/year to drive your EV: Road user charges for electric vehicles from April