What happened: New government rebates aimed at charging stations for single-family homes, condos, apartments and offices
Why it matters: The rebates come after the province reworked its previous incentives over the summer for vehicle purchases
Some electric vehicle (EV) owners in B.C. will be getting a little extra purchasing power following the unveiling of $4 million in provincial rebates for personal charging stations.
Victoria announced Thursday (September 26) that single-family owners will be able to nab a $350 rebate to install a Level 2 charging station.
EV drivers wishing to install a multi-user charging station in an office, condo or apartment building are eligible for a $2,000 rebate.
BC Hydro customers will also be able to apply for a matching $350 rebate for a charging station at a single-family home, while the government is offering up to five hours of free support services from an EV charging station adviser.
Rebate applications must be submitted by March 31, 2020.
That particular date marks the end of the fiscal year for provincial coffers.
The rebates come after the province took a U-turn during the summer on its previous rebate regime for EVs.
The government had previously offered incentives ranging between $2,500 and $6,000.
Demand for the rebates seemingly exceeded expectations and the province responded by reducing those rebates to between $1,500 and $3,000, depending on the vehicle.
The adjusted rebate regime means a larger numbers of potential EV drivers would be able to cash in, albeit for a smaller sum.
Business in Vancouver reported in May that 1,300 EVs were sold in B.C. in the span of two weeks compared with a total of 3,270 EVs and hybrid vehicles for all of 2017.
