An expanded $2.5-million program that provides rebates for zero-emission specialty vehicles is available to help people and organizations lower fuel costs and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

“This is an excellent program to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and make electric vehicles more affordable and accessible,” said Michelle Mungall, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. “For the first time, people can apply for help to purchase new vehicles like an electric motorcycle.”

The rebates are available for businesses, local and regional governments and other public entities, non-profit organizations, and individuals.

Zero-emission specialty-use vehicles include electric or hydrogen fuel cell motorcycles, low-speed utility trucks, heavy duty transport trucks, passenger buses and airport and port service vehicles.  

“Our government is committed to moving towards a lower-carbon economy, and supporting the growth of the zero-emission vehicle sector in B.C. is integral to that,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “Significant reductions in transportation emissions will be a central part of our climate strategy. These rebates will help to make the transition more affordable as we work to cut carbon pollution.”

Rebates range from $2,000 to $50,000, depending on the type and price of the vehicle, and will be available to eligible applicants who purchase or lease an approved, new, zero-emission specialty-use vehicle.

The incentives will also support the growth of businesses in B.C. that are developing, manufacturing and selling specialty-use zero-emission vehicles.

Funding for the Specialty-Use Vehicle Incentive Program comes from the Clean Energy Vehicle (CEV) Program. The Province has committed more than $40 million to encourage British Columbians to choose cleaner, greener vehicles that will lower costs and will reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

The City of Vancouver recently announced its intention to transition its fleet of diesel-powered trucks to fully electric, and expects to have more than 100 medium and heavy duty electric vehicles in the next five years.

Quick Facts:

• The Specialty-Use Vehicle Incentive Program is focused on supporting businesses and fleets in adopting specialty-use clean energy vehicles. Individuals may apply for electric motorbikes or low-speed vehicles.
• Examples of incentive amounts:
  • Battery-electric motorcycles are eligible for an incentive of $2,000. 
  • A battery-electric, low-speed Might-E utility truck manufactured by Canadian Electric Vehicles, with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $31,170, is eligible for an incentive of $5,000.
  • A battery-electric delivery or cube truck manufactured by BYD Auto, with an MSRP of $214,500, is eligible for an incentive of $20,000.
  • A battery-electric shuttle bus manufactured by GreenPower Motor Company, with a MSRP of $384,500, is eligible for an incentive of $50,000.

Learn More:

B.C.’s Speciality-Use Vehicle Incentive Program: www.pluginbc.ca/suvi

B.C. Clean Energy Vehicle Program: www.gov.bc.ca/cleanenergyvehicleprogram