Rebates boosted for electric vehicle charging stations

British Columbians can receive double the amount per rebate to buy and install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at home and at work.

The rebates are offered through CleanBC’s Go Electric EV Charger Rebate and EV Ready programs.

“B.C. has the strongest uptake in electric vehicle adoption across Canada, and we’re positioning ourselves to become leaders in the EV industry,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. “We’re doubling the previous rebate amounts for home and workplace charging and adding new offers to support charging stations. We’re making it easier and more affordable for people to make the switch to electric vehicles and supporting new jobs for electricians and trades workers across B.C.”

To help with the up-front costs that come with EVs, customers can access double the previous rebates available through the EV Charger Rebate program. Homeowners can get a rebate of up to 50 per cent of purchase and installation costs of an eligible EV charger to a maximum of $700. Workplaces and residents living in condominiums or apartments that purchase and install eligible EV chargers can receive a rebate up to 50 per cent of costs to a maximum of $4,000 per charger. Applications for new offers will be accepted starting on Friday, Dec. 4, 2020.

Up to five hours of free support services from an EV charging station advisor are available for condominiums, apartments and workplaces that need help moving from idea to installation.

“Making electric vehicles more affordable is good for the climate, helps people and supports businesses looking for ways to reduce costs and pollution,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “People in British Columbia recognize that cleaner transportation means healthier communities and expanded opportunities as part of CleanBC.”

The province is supporting the adoption of EVs at apartment and condominium buildings through the EV Ready program. EV Ready provides rebates for the development of EV Ready plans and the installation of electrical modifications and upgrades needed to support widespread future access to EV charging for residents.

The CleanBC Go Electric EV Charger Rebate program is administered by BC Hydro and FortisBC in their respective electricity service areas and provides a single point of service for provincial and local government rebates.