The Province is improving accessibility to electric vehicles (EVs) by increasing maximum rebate amounts and ensuring they are going to people who need them most.
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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.
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% 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.
The Province is also expanding the types of electric vehicles eligible for rebates. The price cap to determine eligibility for vehicle rebates remains at a maximum of $55,000 for compact and full-size cars.
However, to support families and businesses requiring larger EVs, a second category has been added. For larger EVs that will be coming to market, including minivans, sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks, the cap has been set at a maximum retail price of $70,000.
This year, British Columbia made used electric vehicles exempt from provincial sales tax, making the purchase of an EV more affordable and providing more options.
CleanBC’s Go Electric EV Charger Rebate program offers provincial rebates that can cover as much as 50% of eligible purchase and installation costs for EV charging stations for single-family homes, condominiums, apartments and workplaces.
People who normally drive approximately 15,000 kilometres per year can save approximately $2,000 in fuel costs per year by making the switch to an EV. ■