The rebate is part of a new two-year data collection pilot that will study zero-emission MHDV performance in the Yukon

Commercial fleet operators in Yukon may be doing a double take thanks to a significant new cost savings opportunity.

Yukon’s Energy Branch is offering a new 75 per cent rebate for medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles (MHDV) in exchange for participation in a two-year pilot program to study zero-emission vehicle performance.

“If your business, organization or government is interested in purchasing a medium or heavy-duty zero-emission vehicle for your operations, consider participating in this pilot project. A zero-emission vehicle can reduce your operating costs and carbon footprint,” reads the request for proposal (RFP).

The RFP, posted at the end of November, is open to businesses, non-profit organizations, municipalities, Yukon First Nation governments and development corporations. Phase one of the pilot began in 2021, per Yukon’s 2030 Our Clean Future Plan. The RFP is an advancement to phase two.

In the same report, the Yukon government also pledged to have 4,800 ZEVs on the road in the territory by 2030.

Qualifying proposals and rebate conditions

The criteria for vehicle rebate eligibility is broken down into two categories: vehicle uses and types of vehicles.

To be eligible for the rebate, the medium- or heavy-duty vehicle must be used for commercial and institutional purposes. Vehicles are to be purchased between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024.

The MDHV must be a purpose-built zero-emission vehicle, including battery electric, plug-in hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Drivetrain conversions from combustion to zero-emission are also permitted.

Eligible classes or types of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles include:

• Buses, shuttle bus/ mini-bus/ coach/ mini-van;
• Straight truck, class 6, 7 or 8;
• Tractor (semi), class 8;
• Cargo van;
• Cutaway;
• Chassis cab;
• Step-van;
• Box truck;
• Garbage/ refuse truck;
• Ambulance;
• Bucket truck;
• Fire truck;
• Concrete mixer truck;
• Water delivery truck;
• Aircraft;
• Watercraft;
• Construction vehicles and machinery;
• Mining vehicles and machinery; and
• Drivetrain conversions from internal combustion
  engine to zero-emission.

In a controversial exclusion, no electric or zero-emission pick-up trucks available on the market today are eligible for the rebate, however they are eligible for the Territory’s existing ZEV rebate for light-duty vehicles.

Proposals for participation in the pilot are due to the Yukon Energy Branch by January 31, 2023. The Energy Branch confirms they will begin contacting successful applicants in February 2023.

Full details on how to apply for the RFP may be found here.