B.C. Government Increases EV Rebates

The B.C. government is raising the maximum EV rebate amounts in a move to get more provincial drivers into electric vehicles.

“More and more people in British Columbia want to get an electric vehicle to save money on gas and reduce their carbon footprint,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. “We’re improving our rebate program to make EVs more affordable and accessible for more families.”

The maximum provincial rebate under the CleanBC Go Electric Passenger Vehicle Rebate Program on the purchase or lease of a battery-electric vehicle (BEV), fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) and long-range plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is increased from $3,000 to $4,000. The maximum rebate for lower-range PHEVs is increased from $1,500 to $2,000.

“We’re helping make electric vehicles more affordable for more people in communities across the province,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “British Columbia is a leader in electric vehicle adoption, thanks to CleanBC, and we’re expanding access so that even more people can choose clean technologies that help avoid high gas prices, reduce maintenance costs and cut climate pollution.”

To ensure that EV rebates are available for people and families who need them most, eligibility for a rebate will be based on individual or household income levels:

• Individuals with annual incomes as much as $80,000 (household incomes as much as $125,000) will be eligible for the maximum rebate amounts of $2,000 for lower-range PHEVs or $4,000 for BEVs, FCEVs and PHEVs.
• Individuals with annual incomes between $80,001 and $100,000 (household incomes between $125,001 and $165,000) will be eligible for rebates ranging from $500 to $2,000, depending on income level and the type of vehicle selected.
• Individuals with annual incomes more than $100,000 (household income more than $165,000) will not be eligible for provincial EV rebates.

Based on 2020 income tax returns, more than 90 per cent of British Columbians are eligible for the provincial electric vehicle rebate. When combined with federal rebates, British Columbians can save as much as $9,000 on the purchase or lease of a new EV.

“British Columbia has reached a leadership position in zero-emission vehicle sales within North America because of the thoughtful approach by government and partner agencies, which has included rebates that make ownership as affordable as possible,” said Blair Qualey, president and CEO, New Car Dealers Association of BC. “The latest changes go a step further and ensure those at the lower end of the income spectrum have a greater ability to purchase a clean-energy vehicle – and that is good news for the sector, for government and, most importantly, for the environment.”