If you’re in the market for an electric vehicle (EV) in B.C., you have just two more weeks to cash in on the provincial rebate program.
B.C. has released new data and statistics on the number of zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) sold last year. The report also revealed that the Go Electric Passenger Vehicle Rebate Program will be paused on May 15, 2025.
“The Province will be pausing the program to consider next steps in view of progress to date and the end of the federal government’s electric-vehicle rebates in January 2025,” the B.C. Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions said in a statement.
So, you still have until May 15 to take advantage.
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The EV rebate depends on individual income and the type of vehicle you were interested in. For plug-in hybrids with a range of less than 85 km, residents can get a rebate of up to $2,000.
For battery electric and long-range plug-in hybrids, a maximum of $4,000 is up for grabs.
The overall state of the B.C. EV market
Daily Hive Urbanized recently learned from an AutoTrader survey that EV purchase intent is down nationally.
“According to the survey, 42 per cent of Canadians are considering an EV for their next vehicle, down from 46 per cent in 2024, 56 per cent in 2023, and 68 per cent in 2022. Only 29 per cent say they would exclusively consider buying an EV, significantly down from 40 per cent last year.”
Since 2015, last year marked the first time that sales rates for EVs and ZEVs have dropped.
Despite that, B.C. still saw an increase in light-duty ZEV registration totals.
CleanBC
The Province is also celebrating the fact that in 2024, B.C. had the second-highest uptake of ZEVs in the country. The Lower Mainland also saw the highest number of registrations, followed by Vancouver Island.
CleanBC
“During this time of economic instability, the Province is reviewing programs to ensure that they best meet the needs of people in B.C.,” the ministry said.
The ministry also recently released a report on how it has not met its emission targets for 2030.
“The 2024 Climate Change Accountability Report concludes that B.C. is making progress in reducing emissions. Since 2007, the base year for B.C.’s climate goals, emissions have remained relatively stable and are projected to decline by 20 per cent by 2030,” the ministry reports.
“Emissions per person are down by more than 21 per cent, and emissions per unit of GDP are down by more than 30 per cent. This means fewer emissions are being produced for every person and for every dollar of economic growth.”
It adds that while progress is being made, “the reductions are not enough to meet B.C.’s 2030 target. The Province will continue to strengthen its climate action with measures that deliver clean economic growth and create affordable options for people.”
BC Hydro recently revealed it has made big strides in expanding the province’s charging system.