Since 2015, the Government of Quebec has had a specific budget to increase the number of electric cars on the roads of Quebec,
reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce energy dependence on oil and thus improve Quebec’s trade balance and contribute to economic development” (Transport, Sustainable Mobility and Transport Electrification). Government incentives have been made available to road users who decide to go green and buy an electric car.
OBJECTIVES IN FIGURES
By 2020, the main players in this action plan would like to increase the number of rechargeable electric and hybrid vehicles to 100,000, reduce the annual GHG emissions produced by transport by 150,000 tonnes, reduce the number of liters of fuel consumed annually in Quebec and create 5,000 jobs in the field of electric vehicles.
INCENTIVES
To encourage the population, the Quebec government offers a discount on the purchase of vehicles that are better for the environment (eligibility conditions apply). On the purchase of a new electric vehicle, up to $8,000 in rebates could be applicable. Newly, a pilot project has been set up: it is possible to obtain up to $4,000 in rebates on the purchase of a used electric vehicle. For this project, $1,000 rebate will be granted by March 31, 2018. In addition, for the purchase and installation of a charging station, financial assistance of $600 is granted upon presentation of eligible bills.
BE ELIGIBLE
In order to benefit from these discounts, it is important to meet conditions depending on the electric vehicle chosen. If we take only fully electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles and new low-speed electric vehicles, these must be purchased or leased on a long-term basis (twelve months or more), registered between 1er November 2013 and December 31, 2020, equipped with a battery having a capacity of 4 kWh or more, sold at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of less than $125,000 in the case of an all-electric vehicle, $75,000 for a plug-in hybrid vehicle (Conditions of participation).
Next time you’re considering buying or leasing a car, ask to test drive electric cars from the dealership for a change!