In the last several years, British Columbia has assumed a leadership role with respect to the sale of electric vehicles, with more EV sales per capita than any other province. This is in large part due to a successful partnership between the Province of BC and the New Car Dealers of BC – most notably based on electric vehicle rebates through the CleanBC Go Electric Program.
However, there are other key investment and policy decisions that influence consumers, including the planning and development of charging stations that will make EV charging convenient and more readily available wherever British Columbians live, work and travel.
Last week, we were pleased to see the first order of business for the new Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation was to announce that British Columbians can now receive double the amount per rebate to buy and install EV charging stations at their home or at work. The rebates will be offered through CleanBC’s Go Electric EV charger rebate program.
To help with the up-front costs that come with purchasing EVs, customers can access double the previous charging station rebates available. Homeowners can get a rebate of up to 50% of purchase and installation costs for an eligible EV charger to a maximum of $700. Workplaces and residents living in condos or apartments that purchase and install chargers can receive a rebate of up to 50% of costs to a maximum of $4,000. Applications are now open.
The province is also offering added support for those looking to make the switch. Consumers are eligible for up to five hours of free support services from an EV charging station advisor to help them move from the simple idea to actual installation.
This is a positive step as the province continues to transition to electric vehicles over the coming years to reach its ultimate target of all new light duty vehicles purchased being electric, by 2040.
The charging of EVs – and more specifically, convenient access to charging stations remains a concern for consumers – but incentives such as the one announced are another significant step that can make the decision to purchase EVs easier than ever. Another positive benefit is that it will also support additional work for electricians and other trades.
I am impressed by the work of our province’s dealers, their Association the NCDA, and the BC government to move towards its goal of a fleet of clean energy vehicles. With the current rebates in place, BC reached its goal of 10% of new light duty vehicles sold being EVs, six years ahead of time (yes you read that correctly, six years ahead of time!) – the goal was 2025 and BC surpassed this number late last year.
The new rebates put in place by the province, will only continue to encourage consumers to purchase electric vehicles and I’m excited to see what the future of transportation in the province looks like.
Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. You can email him at [email protected]
