The British Columbia government says it’s ramping up its rebate program for electric vehicles to make them more affordable and accessible.
A statement from the Department of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation said the maximum provincial rebate for battery electric vehicles, electric fuel cells and long-distance plug-in hybrid electric vehicles has been increased from $3,000 to $4,000.
The maximum rebate for lower-end plug-in hybrid electric vehicles has been increased to $2,000 from the previous peak of $1,500.
The ministry says eligibility for the rebate will depend on income levels, with someone earning up to $80,000 or a household with an income of up to $125,000 eligible for the maximum rebate.
As personal or household income increases, rebate eligibility decreases on a sliding scale, until those with personal income over $100,000 or households with income over $165,000 are no longer eligible for the rebate.
The statement said 2020 income tax returns show more than 90 percent of British Columbians are eligible for the EV rebate and could save up to $9,000 on the purchase or lease of a new electric vehicle. when combined with federal incentives.
“Positive Steps”
Blair Qualey, president of the New Car Dealers Association of British Columbia, says the improved rebates will make zero-emission vehicles more affordable for people on lower incomes.
Qualey called the changes “positive steps” and said his association hopes for more.
“While we can appreciate that the government always faces the difficult position of trying to manage program costs and budgets, we will be watching how the changes for higher-income participants may affect [zero-emission vehicle] takeover,” Qualey said in a statement.
The price cap for determining eligibility for vehicle rebates in British Columbia remains at a maximum of $55,000 for compact and full-size cars, but the Department of Energy says a second category is being added to support those who need larger EVs. with minivans, SUVs and pickups coming soon.
These vehicles are capped at a maximum retail price of $70,000.
BC says it has also increased the affordability of electric cars this year by exempting them from provincial sales tax.
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