If you’re shopping for an electric vehicle in BC in 2026, there’s something you need to know first: the “up to $9,000 off an EV in BC” information still floating around blogs and videos is now outdated. I only found out when a coworker on site was pricing out an electric pickup and the dealer told him, “that rebate ended last year.”
This post covers what’s gone, what’s new, and what money you can still claim — accurate as of July 2026. Rebate programs change often, so always confirm on the official sites before you buy.
At a Glance: What You Can Still Get in 2026
| Program | Amount | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Ended Nov 2025 | ||
| Ended May 2025 | ||
| Federal EVAP rebate (new vehicles) | Up to $5,000 | ✅ New as of Feb 2026 |
| BC Hydro home charger rebate | Up to $350 (50% of cost) | ✅ Active |
| Apartment/condo charger rebate | Up to $2,000 per charger | ✅ Active |
| Workplace charger rebate | Up to $2,000 per charger | ✅ Active |
| BC SCRAP-IT (scrappage incentive) | Up to $300 | ✅ Active |
1. Start With What’s Gone
BC provincial vehicle rebate — ended November 2025
The CleanBC Go Electric passenger vehicle rebate (up to $4,000) was paused in May 2025 and permanently scrapped in November 2025. The province’s position is that vehicle rebates are now a federal responsibility, and BC will focus on charging infrastructure instead. Only some commercial rebates (trucks, buses, cargo e-bikes) remain.
Used EV PST exemption — ended early, May 2025
The PST exemption on used electric vehicles, originally scheduled to run until 2027, was cut two years short and ended May 1, 2025. Buy a used EV today and you pay PST like on any other vehicle. Miss this in your budget and you’ll be off by thousands of dollars.
2. The New Federal Rebate: EVAP (Up to $5,000)
The Electric Vehicle Affordability Program (EVAP), in effect since February 16, 2026, is currently the only vehicle purchase incentive available in Canada.
Amounts
- Battery-electric (BEV) and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles: $5,000
- Plug-in hybrids (PHEV): $2,500
Conditions — quite different from the old iZEV program
- Final transaction value of $50,000 or less. Unlike the old MSRP-based cap, this includes factory options, dealer fees, and dealer-installed accessories. Add a sunroof that pushes you over $50,000 and you lose the entire rebate. (Taxes, freight, winter tires, and extended warranties don’t count.)
- No price cap for EVs made in Canada.
- Vehicle must be made in Canada or in a country with a free-trade agreement with Canada. Korea has an FTA with Canada, so Korean-built Hyundai and Kia EVs can qualify. Check specific models on the Transport Canada vehicle list.
- New vehicles only. Used EVs don’t qualify.
- One rebate per person every five years.
- First-come, first-served funding. The program is planned through March 2031, but ends early if the budget runs out — the old iZEV program abruptly ran dry in January 2025.
How to apply: you don’t. The dealer applies the rebate at the point of sale. Just confirm the EVAP discount appears on your quote.
3. Charger Rebates — Depends on Where You Live
While vehicle rebates shrank, BC kept its money on the charging side. Apply through BC Hydro.
Single-family homes, row homes, duplexes
A rebate of 50% of purchase + installation costs, up to $350, for a Level 2 charger. On top of that:
- A top-up for choosing a smart charger model
- An EV power management device top-up — for older homes with limited panel capacity, this device lets you install a charger without a service upgrade (a job that can cost thousands). If you live in an older house, this can save you more than the charger rebate itself.
- Additional municipal rebates in some cities
Apartments and condos (strata)
If you rent or own in a strata building, the application is made at the building level, not by individuals. Two tracks:
- EV Ready plan rebate: staged support from building-wide charging plans through installation
- Individual charger rebate: 50% of costs, up to $2,000 per charger, $14,000 per property. Pre-approval before purchase is mandatory — buy first and you can’t claim.
If you’re bringing an EV charging proposal to your strata council, attaching these rebate details makes approval much easier.
Workplaces
Employers apply for this one, but it’s worth knowing so you can suggest it: up to $2,000 per charger, $14,000 per site, $56,000 per company per year. If you work out of a construction site trailer like me it won’t apply, but it’s worth proposing at an office workplace.
4. Money for Scrapping: BC SCRAP-IT
Scrap a running gas vehicle and get up to $300 toward an EV (new or used) or other low-carbon transportation. Not huge, but if you have an old car to get rid of anyway, claim it.
5. A Real-World Scenario
Scenario: suburban Vancouver single-family home, buying a $48,000 new BEV
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Federal EVAP | −$5,000 |
| Home charger rebate | −$350 |
| SCRAP-IT (if scrapping an old car) | −$300 |
| Total savings | About $5,650 |
In 2024 this would have been over $9,000 with the BC rebate included, so yes — it’s less. But EVAP is first-come, first-served, so if an EV is in your plans, waiting doesn’t help.
FAQ
Q. Does Tesla qualify for EVAP?
It depends on where the vehicle is built and the final transaction value. Check model and trim on the Transport Canada vehicle list.
Q. Any incentives for used EVs?
No vehicle rebate, and the PST exemption is gone. But charger rebates and SCRAP-IT still apply to used EV buyers.
Q. Does leasing qualify?
Yes, EVAP covers both purchases and leases.
Q. Can work permit holders get it?
EVAP applies to purchases by Canadian residents at licensed dealers. No permanent-residency requirement is specified, but confirm with your dealer.
Related Posts
- 5 Ways to Lower Your BC Car Insurance Premium
- Why ICBC Basic Insurance Isn’t Enough — How to Set Up Your Coverage
Sources (verified 2026-07-06)
- Transport Canada — EVAP Overview
- Transport Canada — EVAP Vehicle List
- BC Hydro — EV incentives in B.C.
- Business in Vancouver — B.C. ends EV rebates
- Global News — BC used EV PST exemption ends
- The Globe and Mail — How the new $5,000 EV incentive works
⚠️ This post is general information, not tax or legal advice. Rebate conditions change frequently — always confirm the latest details on official websites before purchasing.