B.C. government takes action against Tesla amid U.S. tariff tensions
Many British Columbians are feeling the economic effects of the continuing trade war between Canada and the United States, and Tesla drivers are among them.
BC Hydro announced that as of March 12, 2025, Tesla products are no longer eligible for CleanBC and BC Hydro rebates.
The rule change includes electric vehicle chargers, energy storage batteries and inverters and comes as the Government of B.C. is enacting several measures to mitigate the impact of the United States’ tariffs on Canadian goods.
Tesla Delivery Centre at 901 Great Northern Way, Vancouver. (Google Maps)
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“The Government of B.C. and BC Hydro are taking action to preference Canadian goods in our rebate programs going forward and to exclude, where practicable, U.S. produced goods,” said the BC Hydro announcement.
“If you purchased or have received pre-approval for your Tesla product before March 12, 2025, it can still qualify for rebates and will be processed as normal.”
The new measures against Tesla products come just days after the B.C. government announced it would introduce new legislation to implement fees on commercial trucks travelling through the province to Alaska.
Iv-olga/Shutterstock
It is also soon after BC Liquor stores pulled U.S. liquor from red states off shelves in response to President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada.
The premier previously stated the province must “answer with strength” to the White House starting a trade war “we didn’t want.”
“The tariffs imposed by Trump are a profound mistake and are hurting families on both sides of the border,” Premier Eby said. “My team will continue to work hard every day to defend British Columbians through this and come out stronger on the other side. Every option is on the table.”