Less than three months after the launch of its electric (EV) and hybrid vehicle purchase incentive program, Canada’s Transport Minister, Marc Garneau, is pleased to announce that more than 14,000 low-emission vehicles were purchased or leased through the program.

It should be remembered that, as of May 1, 2019, a $5,000 subsidy is applicable towards the purchase of a 100% electric, hydrogen fuel cell or long-range plug-in hybrid vehicle, while lower-range hybrid models qualify for the federal government’s $2,500 subsidy, in addition to the amounts already offered by several provinces.

The Minister of Transport estimates that the widespread adherence to the program represents an annual reduction of 36,000 tons of greenhouse gases and 429,000 tons when factoring in the lifecycle of the purchased or leased green vehicles. For the first six months of 2019, sales of low-emission models increased by 30% over last year, which represents approximately 3% of total vehicle sales.

“It’s time to fight climate change right now,” affirmed the Minister. “Over the past three months, the zero-emission vehicle purchase incentive program has allowed Canadians to be part of the solution in the fight against climate change while reducing the daily costs associated with operating their cars.”

Transportation accounts for one quarter of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions. Almost half of these come from cars and light trucks.