Toronto, Ontario -- British Columbia is set to pause its CleanBC Go Electric Passenger Vehicle Rebate Program on May 15, 2025 or earlier if funds are depleted, marking a significant shift in the province's approach to zero-emission vehicle incentives.
Since its inception in 2011, the program has been instrumental in promoting ZEV adoption, contributing to a rise from 5,000 ZEVs on B.C. roads in 2016 to nearly 197,000 today. The rebates, which offered up to $4,000 for battery electric vehicles and up to $2,000 for plug-in hybrids, were available to residents earning less than $100,000 annually.
The decision to halt the program has drawn criticism from industry stakeholders. The Global Automakers of Canada expressed concern that the pause complicates efforts to meet B.C.'s ambitious ZEV targets.
“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” said David Adams, president and chief executive officer of Global Automakers of Canada. “Automakers are making significant investments and doing their part to support the transition towards electrification but are facing significant headwinds. We need governments to focus on policies to support ZEV demand, not make it harder for drivers to make the switch”.
The provincial government cites economic uncertainty as the reason for the pause, stating that it will reassess the program's objectives and future direction. However, the move raises questions about the province's commitment to its ZEV mandate, which aims for 100 percent of new light-duty vehicle sales to be zero-emission by 2035.
As the May 15 deadline approaches, consumers and industry players alike are left navigating the implications of this policy shift, with many advocating for a balanced approach that continues to support ZEV adoption while addressing economic considerations.
“We need the to province 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," Adams added.
