New Quebec Budget Maintains EV Rebate Program
Quebec Finance Minister Eric Girard yesterday tabled the CAQ’s first-ever budget, which included an extension of the province’s Drive Green program.
Customers who purchase a fully electric vehicle with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of under $75,000 will once again receive a rebate of up to $8,000 from the Quebec government.
- Also: 2019 Federal Budget: New Rebate for Electric Vehicles
- Also: Ontario Cancels EV Rebate Program, Wants to Lower Gas Prices Instead
Starting in 2020-2021, however, the maximum MSRP for eligible EVs will drop to $60,000. At the same time, zero-emission models priced between $75,000 and $125,000 will lose the $3,000 rebate that’s currently offered.
The announcement, which represents an investment of $433.8 million, will hopefully add 66,000 new electric cars on the road, 27,500 charging stations at home and another 1,200 in workplaces, Girard said.
What about used EVs?
The 2019 Quebec Budget also has a provision for used electric vehicles. Following the success of the pilot program, these models will again be eligible for a rebate, although from 2020-2021, said rebate will only apply to those that retail for less than $60,000.
This came just two days after the federal government of Justin Trudeau announced its own incentive for EV buyers. Thanks to Ottawa, people who buy a battery-electric or hydrogen-powered vehicle under $45,000 will receive a $5,000 break.
Whenever the measure comes into effect (the date has yet to be confirmed), customers in Quebec will benefit from a combined rebate of up to $13,000 towards the purchase of an electric vehicle.
Meanwhile, Ontario axed its generous EV rebate program several months ago.