Victoria, B.C. — The Government of British Columbia announced a significant change to its electric vehicle (EV) rebate program on June 18, reducing the qualifying threshold for vehicles eligible for the provincial rebate. This decision has sparked disappointment and concern among car dealers in the province.
The new policy lowers the manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) threshold from $55,000 to $50,000 for qualifying vehicles. Additionally, SUVs, station wagons, and vans have been reclassified from the larger vehicle category, which had a higher MSRP threshold, to the car category, now subject to the $50,000 limit.
Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC, expressed strong disapproval of the changes. “We are very disappointed by a government announcement that immediately removes 75% of vehicles eligible for a provincial rebate from the program,” said Qualey.
Qualey highlighted the potential negative impact on both affordability and environmental goals. “At a time when affordability and climate change are top of mind among British Columbians, the focus should be on strengthening the incentive program, not reducing access. If the province is truly committed to meeting its climate change objectives, it needs to show leadership by helping dealers and manufacturers build momentum and assist consumers to make the transition to clean energy vehicles.”
The new thresholds are expected to significantly limit the number of EV models that qualify for the provincial rebate, potentially slowing the adoption of cleaner vehicles in the province. This move has raised concerns about the province’s commitment to its climate change targets and the support available to consumers transitioning to electric vehicles.