National

B.C. boosts rebate for electric vehicles

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 03 Aug, 2022 03:45 PM

The British Columbia government says it is improving its rebate program for electric vehicles to make them more affordable and accessible.

A statement from the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation says the maximum provincial rebate for battery-electric, fuel-cell electric and long-range plug-in hybrid electric vehicles climbs from $3,000 to $4,000.

The maximum rebate for lower-range plug-in hybrid electric vehicles increases to $2,000 from the previous high of $1,500.

The ministry says eligibility for a rebate will be based on income levels, with an individual making up to $80,000, or a household with an income up to $125,000, eligible for the maximum rebate.

As personal or household income climbs, rebate eligibility decreases on a sliding scale until those with a personal income above $100,000 or households with incomes above $165,000 are no longer entitled to the discount.

The statement says 2020 income tax returns show more than 90 per cent of B.C. residents are eligible for an EV rebate and can save as much as $9,000 on the purchase or lease of a new electric vehicle when combined with federal incentives.

The president of the New Car Dealers Association of B.C. says the revised rebates will make zero-emission vehicles more affordable for lower-income individuals.

Blair Qualey says the changes are "positive steps" and his association is anticipating more.

“While we can appreciate that government always faces the difficult position of trying to manage program spending and budgets, we will be watching how changes for higher-income participants may impact (zero-emission vehicle) uptake," Qualey says in a statement.

The price cap to determine eligibility for vehicle rebates in B.C. remains at a maximum of $55,000 for compact and full-sized cars, but the Energy Ministry statement says a second category is being added to support those requiring larger EVs, such as soon-to-arrive minivans, sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks.

The cap for those vehicles has been set at a maximum retail price of $70,000, the statement says.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Mary Simon to be Canada's first Indigenous GG

Mary Simon, an Inuk leader and former diplomat, described her appointment as Canada's next governor general — the first Indigenous person to serve in the role — as a “step forward on the long path to reconciliation.”

Mary Simon to be Canada's first Indigenous GG

Lightning adds to wildfire woes in B.C.

The BC Wildfire Service says 212 wildfires are burning in British Columbia as lightning storms swept over several areas of the province. The wildfire service website shows more than three dozen small fires have been sparked across all regions except the Coastal Fire Centre.

Lightning adds to wildfire woes in B.C.

B.C. police watchdog investigating man's death

The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. says the man was arrested Canada Day following what is described as an "incident" at a business.

B.C. police watchdog investigating man's death

Buying illegal cannabis puts money into the hands of criminals

Officers conducted a traffic stop with a vehicle associated to the property and arrested the driver. Further investigation led to the seizure of approximately 1 kilogram of dried cannabis and $35,000 cash.

Buying illegal cannabis puts money into the hands of criminals

87 COVID19 cases over 3 days

More than 78 per cent of those eligible in B.C. have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine while 36 per cent have had their second shot.

87 COVID19 cases over 3 days

Possible tornado touched down in northern B.C.

Environment Canada is investigating the possibility that a tornado swept through the Fort St. John area in northern B.C. Meteorologist Doug Lundquist says the powerful system started above the wildfires in the Interior last week, on the same day much of the town of Lytton was destroyed by a fire.