Ontario is taking significant steps to combat greenhouse gas emissions and promote electric vehicle (EV) adoption through its Electric Vehicle Incentive Program (EVIP). Effective January 1, 2017, the revamped EVIP introduces several noteworthy changes:
- Incentive Cap Removal: The program eliminates the previous cap that limited EV incentives to 30% of the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP).
- Battery-Powered EV Incentives: The $3,000 cap on incentives for battery-powered EVs, priced between $75,000 and $150,000, is now removed. This supports long-range, zero-emission travel and reduces the environmental impact, particularly when compared to lower-priced plug-in hybrids.
- Exclusion of High-End EVs: EVs with an MSRP of $150,000 and above are still excluded from qualifying for incentives.
- Automaker Partnerships: Incentives are now offered exclusively on vehicles produced by automakers partnering in Ontario’s new Electric and Hydrogen Vehicle Advancement Partnership (EHVAP).
The EHVAP is pivotal in achieving Ontario’s goal of having five percent of new passenger vehicles in the province being electric or hydrogen-powered by 2020. This partnership brings together stakeholders from the automotive sector, environmental advocacy groups, and academic institutions to collaborate with the government in advancing EV and hydrogen-powered vehicle technology, ultimately reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
These initiatives are integral to Ontario’s broader strategy to facilitate EV adoption, and combat climate change, and include:
- Expanding publicly accessible EV charging infrastructure.
- Mandating that new workplaces, homes, and townhouses be “EV ready” by 2018.
- Granting single-occupant EVs with green license plates access to high-occupancy vehicles and high-occupancy toll lanes without a fee.
- Collaborating with Plug ‘n Drive to establish an electric vehicle discovery center, enhancing public education and dealer training on EVs.
The updated EVIP application form and program guide are now available, with applications being retroactively reviewed for EVs purchased or leased since January 1, 2017. These efforts align with Ontario’s commitment to making electric vehicles more affordable, thereby contributing to job creation, economic growth, and improved everyday lives while combating climate change.
Federal Ontario EV Rebate
The Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) Program is driving affordability.
The iZEV Program provides point-of-sale incentives for consumers, subject to funding availability, who purchase or lease a ZEV (Zero-Emission Vehicle). Eligibility for incentives is limited to vehicles listed on the official website when they are bought or leased for a minimum duration of 12 months, starting from the eligibility date.
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Transport Canada assesses car eligibility for the iZEV Program by reviewing applications from automakers to ensure that vehicles meet the program’s requirements. Specifically, eligible vehicles must fall into the following criteria:
- The vehicle is categorized as a passenger car.
- The base model Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is under $55,000.
- Higher-priced trims of these vehicles, with a maximum MSRP of $65,000, are also eligible for purchase incentives.
Incentive Categories of Ontario EV Rebate
- High-Range Plug-In Vehicles:
- Battery-electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and longer-range plug-in hybrid vehicles qualify for incentives of up to $5,000.
- These vehicles possess an electric range equal to or greater than 50 km.
- Low-Range Plug-In Vehicles:
- Shorter-range plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are eligible for incentives of up to $2,500.
- These vehicles have an electric range of under 50 km.