Go Electric Rebates are provided at point of sale, with pre-approvals to guarantee funding before purchase for tenders and procurement

The government of British Columbia has reinstated its Go Electric Rebates program for medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles (MHDZEVs), with some notable changes it says to align more with market and industry needs.

The program, which ended in August last year because of depleted funds, will begin taking applications again on Aug. 10, 2026. 

Businesses are eligible for up to five vehicles per year. Municipalities, Indigenous organizations and non-profit groups could receive rebates for up to 10 vehicles annually, plus a 20 per cent rebate top-up. 

The rebates break down as follows: 

Vehicle class	Rebate amount	Rebate with top-up
Class 2B (no pickup trucks)	$5,000	$6,000
Class 3 (no pickup trucks)	$30,000	$36,000
Class 4 – 5	$60,000	$72,000
Class 6 – 7	$90,000	$108,000
Class 8	$130,000	$156,000

Rebate amounts and type are subject to change based on program funding, eligibility requirements and other program criteria. 

Making changes

Jérémie Bernardin, the senior ZEV strategic solutions consultant for CLEAResult Canada, helped the B.C. government shape the revised program. 

Part of his role was reviewing other major EV rebate programs across North America, as well as surveying and interviewing key stakeholders in the industry.

“From academics to associations to fleet managers to OEMs and dealerships, we spoke to people to find out what their barriers are and what’s important for them to make sure that the program works well, and for all stakeholders,” he said in an interview with Electric Autonomy Canada.

In all, there were 147 survey participants, six virtual workshops and 32 one-on-one interviews. 

What’s new?

The biggest change to the revitalized program is that the funds are now redeemed at point-of-sale. Instead of buyers filing with the government for rebate payments after the fact, the onus is now on the seller.

Bernardin says the program has also changed the way it processes rebates for a quicker return to sellers. 

The revised program offers funding certainty within certain parameters. According to Bernardin, an organization that meets eligibility could have funds set aside before confirming a purchase, to help with procurement and tendering contracts. 

A pre-approved organization would have 60 days to find a vehicle, with the rebate secure. Upon signing a contract for a sale or lease, the organization would have a further guarantee of funds for up to 12 months to receive the vehicle. 

If the vehicle isn’t received within those 12 months, the term can either be extended or the funding can be cancelled, depending on the circumstances. 

“This whole process gives a lot more certainty to the buyer, a lot more confidence and flexibility,” said Bernardin.

Funding will be renewed

While the budget for the entire program has not been released, the available funds for the program have been divided and a portion will be provided every four months to allow equitable access to available funds for applicants. 

“If we have program intakes every four months, that gives an opportunity for fleets that aren’t quite ready,” said Bernardin. “Or they’re waiting to get approval from management [or others] to get their ducks in a row. It really brings a more equitable program.”

The program will also honour select organizations from last year who missed out on rebates because of the early pause. 

Those who purchased a Class 5 to Class 8 vehicle between Feb. 11, 2025 and Aug. 11, 2025, and received the purchased vehicle after that date, may be eligible for a retroactive rebate. 

Sharing experiences

Applicants who receive funding will have the opportunity to participate in informational interviews about  their experience with electric MHDVs within their organization. The information will be shared publicly to help educate others who may be interested in electrifying.

“The purpose [of the rebate program] is to decarbonize the sector, of course,” says Bernardin. “And part of that is sharing lessons learned, sharing stories, and having some visibility … so that other fleets can realize, ‘okay, this would work for me, too.’”

For a full list of details and requirements, visit the government’s Go Electric Rebates website.