The government is investing in a cleaner, more sustainable future through the transportation industry.
During his visit to Edmonton, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi highlighted how investments in Budget 2019 is investing $130 million in charging and refuelling stations for zero-emissions vehicles (ZEV), while also offering incentives to Canadians to choose a ZEV in the future.
“FLO is focused on helping expand and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles across Canada by providing safe and reliable charging infrastructure because that’s what matters to current and potential EV-buyers,” said Travis Allan, Vice-President of Public Affairs and General Counsel, FLO.
The government also plans to invest $300 million over three years on a new federal purchase incentive for eligible ZEVs that are purchased or leased on or after May 1, 2019.
“We are making it easier and more affordable for Canadians to own a zero-emission vehicle, and we continue to invest in the infrastructure needed for easy charging where we work, live and play. Improving air quality, lowering day-to-day costs for families and businesses and helping to create a cleaner, greener future,” said Sohi.
For a vehicle to be eligible for the incentive:
- Passenger vehicles with six or fewer seats must have a base-model manufacturer’s suggested retail price of less than $45,000;
- Passenger vehicle with seven or more seats must have a retail price of less than $55,000 for vehicles with seven or more seats;
- Higher priced versions (trims) with six or fewer seats must have a final retail price of $55,000 or less.
Canadians who purchase or lease an eligible battery-electric, hydrogen fuel cell or longer-range plug-in hybrid vehicle will receive an incentive of $5,000. The purchase or lease of a shorter-range plug-in vehicle will receive an incentive of $2,500.
Allan added, “We are extremely pleased to be here today to highlight the importance of Natural Resources Canada’s EV charging infrastructure funding programs and the federal government’s broader EV purchase incentives. These essential programs are helping build the safe and reliable charging infrastructure needed to help Canada lead the way to a cleaner, more convenient electric driving experience.”
Currently, transportation accounts for a quarter of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions, almost half of which comes from cars and light trucks. These incentives are designed to help Canadians transition to ZEVs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the longer term.
The government has also set specific targets for sales of ZEVs in Canada which are as follows:
- 10% of new light-duty vehicle sales to be ZEVs by 2025;
- 30% by 2030; and
- 100% by 2040.
For more information on the program and these incentives, visit canada.ca/zero-emission-vehicles.