B.C. businesses and organizations wanting to reduce air pollution and save on fuel costs can get rebates for electric vehicles through $2 million in additional funding for the CleanBC Specialty-Use Vehicle Incentive (SUVI) program.

“Through CleanBC, we’re making cleaner options more affordable and increasing the use of electric vehicles in how we get around,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. “These rebates will support B.C. businesses, including those in the tourism sector, in purchasing an electric bus, service vehicle or utility truck, helping them to reduce air pollution, save on fuels and grow their business.”

Eligible specialty-use vehicles include electric passenger buses, airport and port service vehicles, motorcycles, low-speed utility trucks, and heavy-duty transport trucks. Rebates range from $1,700 to $50,000 per vehicle and are available for businesses, local and regional governments, and non-profit organizations that are purchasing five or fewer vehicles.

“Our government is helping businesses switch to cleaner vehicles with rebates that make them more affordable so they can reduce emissions and save on fuel and maintenance costs,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy. “Our CleanBC plan is helping businesses make the transition to a cleaner, better future where vehicles emit no pollution and where the use of innovative B.C. technology creates good jobs for people.”

With a rebate through the SUVI program, Harbour Air Seaplanes has bought a fully electric, zero-emission passenger shuttle bus from GreenPower Motor Company, a B.C.-based company that is taking steps to further green technology development, economic activity, investment and job creation. Harbour Air plans to use the shuttle bus to pick up and drop off passengers between Harbour Air’s downtown Vancouver and Richmond locations and the Vancouver International Airport.

Harbour Air is a leader in clean technology in B.C.’s transportation sector. It is testing a fully electric seaplane and announced a successful flight of the world’s first all-electric commercial aircraft in December of 2019. The flight marked the start of the third era in aviation: the electric age.

CleanBC is a pathway to a more prosperous, balanced and sustainable future. CleanBC was developed in collaboration with the BC Green Party caucus and Andrew Weaver, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head, and supports the commitment in the Confidence and Supply Agreement to implement climate action to meet B.C.’s emission targets.

Quotes:

Greg McDougall, founder and CEO, Harbour Air –

“We are standing on the edge of a new era in aviation and sustainable travel. Canada has had a longstanding history in aviation leadership and British Columbia in particular has led the way in its environmental sustainability. We are proud to continue that forward-thinking legacy. This commitment by our government to support local businesses and innovation exemplifies the leadership and dedication required to make meaningful impact.”

Fraser Atkinson, CEO and chairman, GreenPower Motor Company –

“We are delighted with today's announcement by the Province of B.C. which will help businesses to deploy all-electric zero-emission vehicles, adapt to the challenges posed by COVID-19 and re-stimulate the green technology sector in the province.”

Quick Facts:

• The Specialty-Use Vehicle Incentive program supports businesses and fleets in adopting specialty-use electric vehicles.
• Examples of rebate amounts:
  • Battery-electric motorcycles are eligible for a rebate 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 a rebate of $5,000.
  • A battery-electric delivery or cube truck manufactured by BYD Auto with an MSRP of $214,500 is eligible for a rebate of $50,000.
  • A battery-electric shuttle bus manufactured by GreenPower Motor Company with a MSRP of $384,500 is eligible for a rebate of $50,000.

Learn More:

To learn more about the Speciality-Use Vehicle Incentive program, visit: www.pluginbc.ca/suvi

To learn more about EV rebates, visit: https://goelectricbc.gov.bc.ca/

To learn more about CleanBC, visit: https://cleanbc.gov.bc.ca/

To learn more about GreenPower Motor Company, visit: https://www.greenpowerbus.com/

To learn more about Harbour Air Seaplanes, visit: https://www.harbourair.com/about/corporate-responsibility/