B.C. is pausing its EV rebate program on May 15 as it conducts a review of its progress and impact to date

The government of British Columbia is ending its CleanBC Go Electric Passenger Vehicle Rebate Program, on May 15 — or earlier if available funds run out.

The decision comes as the province looks to reassess the program’s effectiveness and future direction.

B.C. officials say in a press release the EV rebate pause will allow time to evaluate the program’s impact so far and determine the “next steps.”

The province is facing a steep deficit following the federal government’s cancellation of the carbon tax and was hinting earlier this month that it was looking for ways to soften the blow.

“During this time of economic instability, the province is reviewing programs to ensure that they best meet the needs of people in B.C.,” says the B.C. government.

“The province is committed to working with automakers and dealers to determine the best ways to continue supporting ZEV adoption in B.C.”

Concerns over rebate pause

The B.C. electric vehicle rebate program began in 2011.

Since then the province invested over $650 million to help residents transition to cleaner transportation and the rebate has supported putting nearly 195,000 on B.C.’s roads.

Unsurprisingly, the decision to pause the rebate program is sparking concern.

“British Columbia’s ZEV mandate has some of the most aggressive targets anywhere in the world and the government has now made it even more difficult for automakers to meet those targets,” says David Adams, president and CEO of Global Automakers of Canada in a press statement.

Adams adds that automakers are doing their part by heavily investing in electrification and are committed to supporting the transition, but they face growing challenges.

“We need the province to suspend its current mandate, and work with automakers to provide B.C. consumers and automakers relief in this challenging affordability environment, while still working towards our shared climate goals,” says Adams.

Deadline to apply

The B.C. rebate program provides financial incentives based on annual income. Residents earning up to $80,000 are eligible for the full rebate. This includes up to $4,000 for battery-electric and long-range plug-in hybrids, and up to $2,000 for shorter-range plug-in hybrids (under 85 kilometres of electric range).

To qualify for the rebate before it ends, applicants must obtain online pre-approval by 6:00 p.m. on May 15 and purchase or lease an eligible vehicle by 11:59 p.m. the same day.

Those with incomes between $80,001 and $100,000 may qualify for a partial rebate, between $500 and $2,000, while individuals earning more than $100,000 are not eligible for any incentive.

The CleanBC rebate pause marks the third EV rebate program to wind down in Canada since the New Year.

In January, the federal iZEV program ran out of funding with no word yet on a renewal.

Quebec followed in February, suspending its Roulez Vert rebate before restarting it in April with new funding.