People In BC Can Now Claim Up To $9K For Buying An Electric Vehicle & Here's How

Morgan Leet - 

The B.C. government just boosted the maximum rebate amount that someone can get when they buy an electric vehicle (EV) to make them more accessible options.


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With the increase and existing federal incentives, people in B.C. could take home up to $9,000 when they buy an EV, so if you were on the fence, this might just be your sign to do it.

In a press release on August 2, the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation said the maximum provincial rebate for buying or leasing battery-electric vehicles, fuel-cell electric vehicles and long-range plug-in hybrid electric vehicles has now increased from $3,000 to $4,000.

For lower-range plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, the maximum rebate increased from $1,500 to $2,000.

The release said in order "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."

Someone who earns up to $80,000, or has a household income of $125,000, is eligible for the maximum rebate amounts.

People with annual incomes between $80,001 and $100,000 and those with household incomes between $125,001 and $165,000, are eligible for rebates ranging from $500 to $2,000. The amount of the rebate will vary based on the income level and what kind of EV is bought.

Someone who makes more than $100,000, or with a household income over $165,000, is not eligible for the provincial electric vehicle rebates.

In addition to the increased rebates, the province has expanded what vehicles are eligible for them.

For full-size and compact cars, the price cap for rebate eligibility is still at a maximum of $55,000 but for larger electric vehicles like minivans, sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks, the release said the cap has been set at a maximum retail price of $70,000.

On top of being able to get up to $4,000 from the provincial government rebates, British Columbians can also take home up to $5,000 from the federal government through the iZEV rebate.

Battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell and longer-range plug-in hybrid vehicles are eligible for the $5,000 incentive from the federal government. Shorter-range plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are eligible for $2,500.

To qualify for the federal incentives, passenger cars must cost less than $55,000, but higher-priced versions of some vehicles are also eligible.

According to the Canadian government, "the incentive will be applied at the point-of-sale by the dealership."

For the B.C. government rebate, you can apply online, and then the rebate can be applied at the dealership when you purchase a vehicle.