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By Caden Fanshaw

BC GOV

B.C. rolls out tweaked electric vehicle rebate

Aug 4, 2022 | 6:40 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – In an effort to keep the momentum going in BC when it comes to the sale of electric vehicles the province announced the rebate would be increasing, and introduced a tiered approach.

“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 popularity has been soaring outside of the Lower Mainland as well, in Prince George EV sales rose 104% between 2020 and 2021 according to government data.

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The new rebate will be a tiered approach with some British Columbians now being ineligible to receive it.

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.

Prince George Ford said they saw a noticeable increase in sales when gas prices rose above $2 a litre.

Vice-President of the Prince George EV Group Mark Vejvoda said he believes rebates are great to encourage people to get into an electric vehicle although there are still three challenges that need to be addressed.

“No one complains about rebates, let’s be honest,” said Vejvoda. “Honestly if you take a look at things like education, infrastructure is another big one, and just the availability of getting an EV, those are the three biggest areas.”

Vejvoda said the charging network is acceptable up until Prince George although anything beyond it in Northern BC is challenging to say the least.

With electric trucks on the way the PG EV club VP said he believes you will see a major turning point coming soon.