You Can Claim Up To $100K From The BC Government If You Buy An Electric Vehicle & Here's How

If you have been thinking of purchasing an electric vehicle, it may be helpful to know that the Government of B.C. has a rebate program that will help you save some money.

The province says that zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) can help save the average B.C. driver between $1,800 to $2,500 per year on fuel costs.

To encourage individuals and businesses to purchase electric vehicles, the province's Go Electric rebate program offers a rebate of up to $3,000, which can be combined with federal rebates for up to $8000, depending on the make and model of the vehicle purchased.

In addition to this, the province also has the Specialty Use Vehicle Incentive Program, which allows businesses to be eligible for a rebate of up to $100,000.

Rebates available for individuals

Motorcycle: up to $2,000.

A low-speed vehicle: up to $2,000 or up to $5,000, depending on battery capacity.

Rebates available for businesses, nonprofits, or public sector organizations

Motorcycles: up to $2,000.

A low-speed vehicle: up to $2,000 or up to $5,000, depending on battery capacity.

Cargo e-bikes: up to $1,700.

Utility vehicles: up to $2,000.

On-road medium or heavy-duty vehicles: up to $100,000 or 33% of the purchase price, whichever is lower. For eligible tourism operators, this is up to $100,000 or 66% of the purchase price, whichever is lower.

Airport and port specialty vehicles: up to $20,000 for vehicles worth less than $300,000, according to a manufacturer's suggested retail price. Rebates of $50,000 for vehicles worth more than $300,000 according to a manufacturer's suggested retail price.

Rebates available to the tourism industry

According to the government, tourism businesses in B.C. applying for rebates for medium and heavy-duty vehicles can see if they qualify for a tourism-specific rebate increase. Businesses eligible for the increase include accommodation providers (but not vacation rentals), activities including tours and activity providers, attractions, and tourism operators with a business listing on Trip Advisor.

More details on eligibility and how to claim your rebate can be found on the Clean BC Go Electric website.

A key part of CleanBC is "to strengthen the Zero-Emission Vehicles Act to require light-duty vehicle sales to be 26% ZEV by 2026, 90% by 2030 and 100% by 2035, five years ahead of the original target," according to the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation.

The province said it is the first jurisdiction in the world to adopt a 100% zero-emission vehicles law.

"The switch to electric vehicles for personal and commercial use means less carbon and air pollution, a cleaner environment, and lower fuel and maintenance costs for the growing number of ZEV users," said George Heyman, minister of environment and climate change strategy.