There Has Never Been a Better Time to Buy a Clean Vehicle in BC
Two new vehicle incentive programs were recently introduced with the intention of reducing emissions, and to help B.C. consumers save thousands of dollars while doing so.
During the Vancouver International Auto Show last month, the province unveiled the second phase of its Clean Energy Vehicle for British Columbia (CEVforBC™) Program.
As of April 1, Consumers can save up to $5,000 towards the purchase or lease of a new battery electric or plug in electric hybrid vehicle, and up to $6,000 for a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. But the potential savings don’t stop there. When combined with newly introduced SCRAP-IT program, total savings could be up to $8,250 for an electric vehicle.
The SCRAP-IT program gives consumers a $3,000 rebate on a qualifying new electric vehicle when they hand in a vehicle from the year 2000 and older. All scrapped vehicles and their components are permanently and properly recycled. (Check out scrap-it.ca for qualifying vehicles.)
The province is also earmarking funds to expand the charging and fuelling infrastructure for electric vehicles across the province.
Recent statistics released by the provincial government show that traditional fuel-powered vehicles are responsible for 45 percent of B.C.’s household greenhouse gas emissions. A clean energy vehicle would reduce emissions by about 5.6 tonnes per year (with comparison to a 2000 model year or older vehicle). What’s more, compared to a new internal combustion vehicle, a clean energy vehicle reduces emissions by about three tonnes per year. The provincial government is spending $10.6 million from its Innovative Clean Energy Fund over the next three years on the second phase of the CEVforBC™ program. The money is broken down as follows:
$7.5 million for point-of-sale incentives for electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
$1.59 million for investments in charging infrastructure and hydrogen fuelling infrastructure.
$1 million for incentives for commercial fleet purchases of clean energy vehicles.
$500,000 for research, training, and public education of clean energy transportation technology.
As B.C. has the highest per-capita electric vehicle sales and the largest charging infrastructure in Canada, it would only make sense for our province to continue to lead the charge in a market transition to the use of clean energy vehicle technologies. A recent study from the University of Michigan shows plug-in electric hybrid vehicle owners are "very satisfied" with their purchase and 83 per cent planned to buy another once it’s time to replace their current vehicle. The study also showed that a third of non-owners plan for their next car purchase to be a plug-in electric hybrid.
If you’re thinking about a plug-in electric hybrid or electric vehicle, I encourage you to head down to your local auto dealer to get more information and test drive one. You’ll be impressed with the ride, longevity, and how easy they can be to maintain – especially with the new incentives. Blair Qualey is President and CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of BC. Email him at bqualey@newcardealers.ca.