The BC government said it will increase the maximum rebate for electric vehicles to $4,000 — a $1,000 increase — as part of a new program targeting those who need it most. Combined with federal rebates, British Columbians can now receive up to $9,000 towards the purchase of a new electric car. The provincial EV rebate program will be available to people earning less than $80,000 a year. It will apply to the purchase or lease of fully electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles and long-range plug-in hybrids. British Columbians looking to buy lower-range hybrids will see the maximum provincial rebate rise to $2,000 from $1,500. “We’re improving the rebate program to make EVs more affordable and accessible for more families,” Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation Minister Bruce Ralston said in a prepared statement. Maximum deductions will also apply to households with a combined annual income of up to $125,000. People with annual income between $80,001 and $100,000 can apply for rebates, but they will be reduced, ranging from $500 to $2,000. Those with an individual income of more than $100,000 or a household income of more than $165,000 will not be eligible for the KBE government rebates. According to the province, the targeted program will cover 90 per cent of British Columbians, based on 2020 tax returns. In addition to the increased rebates, several new types of vehicles will be eligible under the provincial scheme. Electric minivans, SUVs and trucks on the market will qualify for rebates if they retail for $70,000 or less. The price cap for compact and full-size cars remains at a maximum of $55,000. Per capita, EV purchases in BC outpace any other jurisdiction in North America, accounting for 17 per cent of new vehicle sales in the first quarter of 2022. There are now more than 85,000 EVs registered in BC, up from about 5,000 in 2016. Electric vehicles are already exempt from provincial sales tax. Other incentives provided through provincial and federal governments can cover up to 75 percent of the cost of installing EV charging stations at workplaces, single-family homes and apartments. The number of public chargers rose to more than 3,100 in 2021, up from 781 in 2016.
