Electric Vehicles
Provincial Incentives
Overview of Electric Vehicle Incentives in Canada
There are multiple reasons to make the switch to an electrified vehicle. For many consumers, the fuel savings and environmental benefits are enough of a justification, but many provincial governments as well as the government of Canada know that this may not be enough for some. While most agree that EVs are the way of the future, the cost of developing battery technology and electric vehicle models is high for automakers, and EV pricing reflects the R&D behind the vehicle. That’s why Canada as well as Quebec, British Columbia, and multiple Maritime provinces have put in place various incentive programs to make electric vehicles more accessible. Here we take a look at the different rebates and incentives offered at both the federal and provincial levels.
Provincial Incentives:
iZEV Federal Program
The iZEV Program is spearheaded by the Canadian Federal Government, aiming to promote the use of zero-emission vehicles (ZEV). This program offers incentives at the point of sale for consumers intending to buy or lease a plug-in hybrid or all-electric vehicle.
Eligibility
Vehicles must be listed on the official program website to be eligible and must meet specific criteria set by Transport Canada. The incentives are available for vehicles purchased or leased for at least 12 months.
| Vehicle Type | Base MSRP | Maximum MSRP for Incentive | Incentive Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger Car | <$55,000 | $65,000 | Up to $5,000 |
| Light Truck/SUV/Minivan | <$60,000 | $70,000 | Up to $5,000 |
| Short Range Plug-in Hybrid | N/A | N/A | Up to $2,500 |
Incentives Based on Lease Duration
| Lease Duration | Max Incentive for Fully Electric Vehicles | Max Incentive for Hybrid Vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| 12 months | $1,250 | $625 |
| 24 months | $2,500 | $1,250 |
| 36 months | $3,750 | $1,875 |
| 48 months | $5,000 | $2,500 |
| Purchase | $5,000 | $2,500 |
Not all electric vehicles and PHEV vehicles will have the same rebate. That’s why it is important to check the list of eligible vehicles to see the amount of the rebate offered on the vehicle you are interested in.
Quebec Electric Vehicle Incentives: Roulez Vert program
Residents of Quebec can benefit from the Roulez Vert program, receiving up to $7,000 in financial assistance when purchasing an eligible new electric vehicle.
Amount of Assistance by Vehicle Type
| Vehicle Type | Incentive Amount |
|---|---|
| Fully Electric Vehicle | $7,000 |
| Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Used electric vehicle | $3,500 |
| Hydrogen-Powered Vehicle | $7,000 |
| Electric Motorcycle | $2,000 |
| Electric Scooter | $500 |
Lease Rebates in Quebec
| Lease Duration | Incentive for EV | Incentive for Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| 12 to 23 months | $1,750 | $1,250 |
| 24 to 35 months | $3,500 | $2,500 |
| 36 to 47 months | $5,250 | $3,750 |
| 48 months & more | $7,000 | $5,000 |
| Purchase | $7,000 | $5,000 |
Conditions:
- The vehicle must be registered for the first time in Quebec and not have been previously registered outside Quebec.
- The vehicle must be purchased or leased for 12 months or more in Canada.
- Rebate application can be made through the dealer or individually through the program’s online services.
B.C. Incentives Based on Income and Vehicle Type
| Individual Income | BEVs & Long-Range PHEVs Rebate | Short-Range PHEVs Rebate |
|---|---|---|
| <$80,000 | $4,000 | $2,000 |
| $80,001 – $90,000 | $2,000 | $1,000 |
| $90,001 – $100,000 | $1,000 | $500 |
Vehicle Qualification for Rebate in B.C.
- BEVs, ER-EVs, and FCEVs are eligible for a full incentive amount up to $4,000.
- PHEVs with an electric range of less than 85 km are eligible for incentives up to $2,000.
New Brunswick EV Rebates
The Government of New Brunswick offers rebates to encourage residents to consider electric vehicles (EVs). Here’s a comprehensive table delineating the various rebates available for new and used Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) along with electric vehicle home charging stations.
Rebate Amounts for Vehicle Purchase
| Vehicle Type | Rebate Amount |
|---|---|
| New BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) | $5,000 |
| New long range (≥ 50km) PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle) | $5,000 |
| New short range (< 50km) PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle) | $2,500 |
| Used BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) | $2,500 |
| Used PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) | $1,000 |
| Electric Vehicle Home charging stations | $750 |
Rebate Amounts for Vehicle Lease
BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) and Long Range PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle):
| Length of Lease | Rebate Amount |
|---|---|
| 48 months | $5,000 |
| 36 months | $3,750 |
| 24 months | $2,500 |
| 12 months | $1,250 |
Short Range PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle)
| Length of Lease | Rebate Amount |
|---|---|
| 48 months | $2,500 |
| 36 months | $1,875 |
| 24 months | $1,250 |
| 12 months | $625 |
Other Information:
- The Government of New Brunswick mandates that lessors retain their vehicle for a minimum of 12 months; failing to do so will necessitate the repayment of a prorated portion of the incentive.
- Rebates are applicable for eligible BEVs and PHEVs purchased or leased on or after July 8, 2021.
- These rebates can be availed at the point of sale from participating automotive dealers. If the dealer does not offer point-of-sale rebates, visit the “Access your rebate” page to begin the rebate application process.
- Applications must be submitted within 30 days of purchase to qualify and will be provided on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Nova Scotia’s EV Assist Program
Nova Scotia’s EV Assist Program offers rebates on new and used Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) to promote the adoption of eco-friendly vehicles. Below is a comprehensive summary of the rebate amounts available under this program.
Rebates for New Vehicles
| Vehicle Type | MSRP (New Vehicles) | Rebate Amount |
|---|---|---|
| BEV Passenger cars | Less than $55,000 for base model, up to a maximum of $65,000 for higher-priced trims | $3,000 |
| BEV pickup trucks, SUVs, minivans, vans, and special purpose vehicles | Less than $60,000 for base model, up to a maximum of $70,000 for higher-priced trims | $3,000 |
| PHEV, long-range Passenger cars | Less than $55,000 for base model, up to a maximum of $65,000 for higher-priced trims | $3,000 |
| PHEV, long-range Station wagons, pickup trucks, SUVs, minivans, vans, and special purpose vehicles | Less than $60,000 for base model, up to a maximum of $70,000 for higher-priced trims | $3,000 |
| PHEV, short-range Passenger cars | Less than $55,000 for base model, up to a maximum of $65,000 for higher-priced trims | $2,000 |
| PHEV, short-range Station wagons, pickup trucks, SUVs, minivans, vans, and special purpose vehicles | Less than $60,000 for base model, up to a maximum of $70,000 for higher-priced trims | $2,000 |
Rebates for Used BEVs and PHEVs
| Vehicle Type | Retail Price (Used Vehicles) | Rebate Amount |
|---|---|---|
| BEV Passenger cars & Station wagons, pickup trucks, SUVs, minivans, vans, and special purpose vehicles | $10,000 to $55,000 | $2,000 |
| PHEV, long-range Passenger cars & Station wagons, pickup trucks, SUVs, minivans, vans, and special purpose vehicles | $10,000 to $40,000 | $1,000 |
| PHEV, short-range Passenger cars & Station wagons, pickup trucks, SUVs, minivans, vans, and special purpose vehicles | $10,000 to $40,000 | $1,000 |
Key Points:
- Rebates are granted on a first-come, first-serve basis to approved applicants for eligible purchases.
- Availability continues until the allocated program budget is depleted or until the program is terminated.
- Applications must be submitted within 30 days of the purchase date.
- Applications received post the 30-day mark will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
- Only Nova Scotian residents can receive the rebate.
- Eligibility is restricted to vehicles that are purchased or leased within Nova Scotia from a licensed dealer.
Prince Edward Island’s EV Initiative
This program provides substantial incentives for new and used Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), encouraging residents to opt for greener, more eco-friendly vehicle alternatives. Below is a detailed overview of the incentives available under this initiative.
Universal EV Incentives
| Vehicle Type | Incentive Amount (After Taxes) |
|---|---|
| New and Used BEVs | $5,750 |
| New and Used PHEVs | $3,250 |
For PHEVs, a fixed incentive of $3,250 is available, irrespective of battery size or range.
Leased Vehicle Incentives:
For BEVs:
| Length of Lease | Incentive Amount |
|---|---|
| 48 months | $5,750 |
| 36 months | $4,312 |
| 24 months | $2,875 |
| 12 months | $1,437 |
For PHEVs:
| Length of Lease | Incentive Amount |
|---|---|
| 48 months | $3,250 |
| 36 months | $2,437 |
| 24 months | $1,625 |
| 12 months | $812 |
Key Points:
- The incentives are applied after taxes, allowing buyers to receive the benefit directly.
- Both new and used BEVs and PHEVs are eligible for the Universal EV Incentive.
- The program also extends to leased vehicles, with varying incentives based on the length of the lease.
Newfoundland and Labrador EV Incentive Program
For residents of Newfoundland and Labrador contemplating a shift to electric vehicles, the EV Rebate Program offers a substantial financial incentive. Prospective buyers can avail of a rebate of $2,500 on the purchase or lease of a 100% all-electric vehicle and $1,500 for a plug-in hybrid.
Rebate Overview
| Vehicle Type | Rebate Amount |
|---|---|
| 100% All-Electric Vehicle | $2,500 |
| Plug-In Hybrid | $1,500 |
Key Information
- Starting from April 1, 2023, rebates are open to individuals, businesses, not-for-profit organizations, or municipalities in NL who are purchasing or leasing (for a minimum of 48 months) a new all-electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid or purchasing a pre-owned one.
- The rebate is provided on a first-come, first-serve basis until the allocated program funding is exhausted.
- Applicants must be a permanent resident, business, not-for-profit organization, or municipality within Newfoundland and Labrador.
- The electric vehicle, new or used, must be purchased between April 1, 2023, and March 15, 2024, to qualify for the rebate, and applications will only be accepted within this timeframe.
- Any vehicles acquired prior to April 1, 2023, are not eligible for the rebate.
- It’s imperative that the vehicles should be bought from a licensed vehicle dealership situated in Canada. Direct person-to-person sales excluding a vendor don’t qualify for the program.
- Pre-owned EVs that have already benefited from a rebate are ineligible for an additional one.
In Conclusion
These incentive programs underscore the growing commitment to promoting the use of electric vehicles in Canada. The diversity in incentive amounts and eligibility criteria necessitate a close look at each program’s details to determine the most beneficial option for prospective buyers. Whether it’s a direct rebate at the point of sale under the iZEV program, comprehensive assistance in the Maritimes or Quebec, or income-based incentives in B.C., there is a range of options to make electric vehicle ownership more accessible and appealing to Canadians.
Costs of Owning an EV
Learning about the costs of owning an electric vehicle involves considering factors such as purchase price, charging infrastructure, maintenance, and potential incentives to make an informed decision.