Atlantic Canada’s largest auto dealership group has purchased a used-vehicle store that specializes in electric vehicles.
Steele Auto Group now owns All EV Canada, which sells used Teslas and other electric vehicles.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
From its locations in Burnside, N.S. and Stratford, P.E.I., All EV stocks only previously owned electric vehicles and each location offers free courses that teach consumers about EV ownership.
“We really like the expertise and passion that the All EV team has built and we see this coming together as an opportunity to accelerate adoption of EV’s in our markets,” Steele Auto Group Chief Operating Officer Kim Day said in a statement.
Jeff Farwell, CEO of All EV Canada, said in the same statement that “the time is right to focus on growth of EV centres and education to guide more people towards electric vehicle ownership.”
Steele’s acquisition comes four months after Prince Edward Island announced a provincial EV incentive.
Islanders can receive $5,000 toward the purchase of a new or used EV. The government will also offer $2,500 to those who buy a plug-in hybrid. Used BEVs/PHEVs must have a sticker price of $55,000 or less to qualify for the incentive.
Earlier this year, Nova Scotia announced its EV Assist program, which offers up to $3,000 to those purchasing new EVs and $2,000 to those buying used vehicles.
Newfoundland and Labrador announced an EV rebate program in June worth $2,500 per vehicle, and New Brunswick announced a program in early July with rebates up to $5,000 per EV. The federal Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) program also provides up to $5,000 per eligible vehicle.
“We are fortunate here in Atlantic Canada that all four provinces have embraced electric vehicles with a commitment to rebates and charging infrastructure,” Day said.
Farwell said that Steele Auto Group will increase the electric vehicle footprint in Atlantic Canada.
“Together we have the resources to create an unbelievable customer experience,” he said.
Headquartered in Dartmouth, N.S., Steele Auto Group operates 53 auto dealerships (51 new, two All EV pre-owned), three Powerhouse Equipment stores and eight collision centres across Atlantic Canada.