The government of British Columbia has introduced a $4 million rebate program through CleanBC to help electric vehicle owners install EV charging stations at home and work.
Michelle Mungall, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources said “With these new rebates for EV charging stations, we’re making it easier to switch to electric vehicles.”
To help with the upfront costs that come with EVs, homeowners can get a $350 provincial rebate to install a Level 2 EV charging station in a single-family home. According to a press release from the BC government, the cost of buying and installing a charging station in a single family home can range from $700 to $2,000.
A $2,000 rebate is available for the installation of a Level 2 EV charging station designed for multiple users in condominiums, apartments and workplaces. Buying and installing a charging station at a multi-unit residential building can range from $2,000 to $12,000. As part of the program, up to five hours of free support services from an EV charging station advisor are also available for condominiums, apartments and workplaces seeking to address their EV charging needs.
As of Thursday, Sept. 26, 2019, BC Hydro customers became eligible to apply for an additional, limited-time matching rebate of up to $350 to buy and install EV charging equipment in single-family homes.
A Level 2 EV charging station uses a higher output 240-volt power source and has a faster charging time than a Level 1 EV charging station.
“British Columbians are increasingly shifting to electric vehicles and our government is supporting this transition by making home chargers more affordable and accessible,” said George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy.
Chris O’Riley, BC Hydro president and chief executive officer said “At-home charging is not only convenient for EV owners, with BC Hydro’s low electricity rates, it also offers significant savings over fuelling a gas-powered vehicle.”
To qualify for the CleanBC rebates, home and workplace charging stations must be installed, and final documentation submitted, by March 31, 2020. The program will be administered by BC Hydro and FortisBC in their respective delivery areas.
The BC government estimates that EV owners can save, on average, about $1,800 per year in fuel costs.
Currently, the province has over 1,700 public charging stations across the province.
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