British Columbia has committed more money to getting its residents to choose new zero-emissions vehicles.
In its 2021 budget tabled Tuesday, the province has added another $94 million to the Go Electric Program, through 2024. The program provides financial rebates to customers who buy zero-emissions vehicles, charging stations, and funding to support commercialization of medium and heavy-duty vehicles. The funding is in addition to the $40 million the province invested in 2020-21.
Go Electric provides financial rebates to customers who buy ZEVs, charging stations, and funding to support commercialization of medium and heavy-duty vehicles.
For example, the program allows a customer to save as much as $8,000 when purchasing a ZEV vehicle in B.C., depending on the make and model.
“This program directly supports B.C. in meeting its 2025 mandate to have at least 10 per cent of new light-duty vehicles sold in B.C. be zero emissions vehicles,” the budget reads.
In 2020, light-duty ZEV sales represented 9.4 of all new light-duty vehicle sales in B.C., based on IHS Markit New Registration Data.
Blair Qualey, CEO of the New Car Dealers Association of B.C., said in an April 15 post on the organization’s website that the program makes ZEVs more affordable.
“With a growing number of EVs on the roads, the steps the province is taking through ongoing programs like CleanBC Go Electric and SCRAP-IT must be acknowledged,” he said. “It is with thanks to these programs that EV sales continue to climb.”
Brian Kingston, head of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association, applauded the funding.
"It's great to see $94 million committed to the Go Electric program in B.C. Budget 2021," he said. "Investments in electrification, including in vehicle purchase incentives and charging infrastructure, are critical to increasing ZEV demand and adoption."
