Bad News for EV Shoppers in B.C.

After Quebec said it would phase out its provincial zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) incentive program starting in 2025, British Columbia is now making far fewer models eligible under the CleanBC Go Electric Passenger Vehicle Rebate Program.

The maximum MSRP for cars has been lowered from $55,000 to $50,000. Additionally, SUVs and wagons now fall into that category instead of being classified as larger vehicles, the maximum MSRP of which is set at $70,000.

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The second category has been reduced to minivans, as well as small and standard pickups and passenger vans.

In a statement, the CEO of New Car Dealers Association of BC (NCDA), Blair Qualey complained that the “changes will significantly impact on the number of qualifying vehicles available within the threshold and as a result, push the purchase of a new ZEV out of reach for many British Columbians.”

Remember, this comes at a time of high interest rates, climate change and concerns over affordability. Qualey added that many new car dealers across the province are “expressing grave concern about the changes to the program and, in some cases, suggesting they may cancel orders for vehicles they don’t feel they will be able to sell in the new environment.”

A total of 49 EV models currently qualify for provincial rebates worth up to $4,000, depending on battery, range and price. Some vehicles are also eligible for federal rebates of up to $5,000.

Tesla quickly responded to the move by lowering the base MSRP of the Model 3 sedan to $49,990.

B.C. has aggressive ZEV sales mandates in place as it aims to ban new vehicles powered by internal combustion engines by 2035.