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EV info for car dealers

Share your expertise

Expand your dealership’s customer base with EV expertise and services.  With thousands of new electric vehicles hitting the road, auto dealerships are discovering new opportunities to become essential partners to both their customers and a wider network of EV advocates. Harnessing the momentum of the EV movement can help your dealership keep up with public demand and help customers find a vehicle that meets their needs.

Early and enthusiastic adoption of EVs can help to position your dealership as a leader and resource in your community, allowing you to grow and adapt with your customers. Here are some ways to stay ahead of the EV curve and support customers along the way. 

Know the EV basics

Brush up on the EV market

Dealers can start by making sure that their teams have a basic knowledge of the EV market and vehicle particulars like batteries, charging options and life expectancy. Demonstrating your EV expertise will help to build trust with customers and encourage them to reach out to you for knowledge and services over the course of their EV’s lifespan.

Help your customers save money with rebates

The many rebates and incentives available for EVs and chargers can be a powerful selling feature, so make it easy for your customers to take advantage of those savings. Becoming familiar with these offers will allow your team to effectively guide your customers to relevant programs and through rebate applications for vehicles and chargers.

Building your team’s knowledge of the associated rebate programs, such as point of sale rebates through CleanBC Go Electric, will also help you provide related services, such as trade-in appraisals for customers hoping to take advantage of programs like SCRAP-IT.  

Provincial rebates are available to eligible B.C. residents with a valid B.C. driver's licence. Rebate amounts are based on the purchasing household's total gross annual income and the type of vehicle being purchased. Pre-approval is also required. Purchasers will receive approval for a maximum rebate amount and the actual rebate available will depend on the type of EV that's purchased.  

Only dealerships that are member of the New Car Dealer's Association (NCDA) are eligible to provide rebates.

Don’t forget about charging

And speaking of chargers, becoming familiar with charging options for different types of customers is also important. Developing this knowledge will help you answer your customers’ questions about charging and reinforce your role as an expert during their purchasing process.

Become a charger expert

Learn about charger types and features so you can educate your customers.

Know your options

Tips for smooth EV sales

Make sure batteries are 100% charged for test drives

This may seem obvious, but it’s actually easy to overlook. Charging up your EVs before test drives will give buyers a better sense of the vehicle’s range, and ensure that they won’t run out while driving.

Find and empower your team’s EV enthusiast

Having an EV expert at your dealership is a great way to make sure that your most-informed customers’ questions are met with knowledgeable answers. While everyone on your team should know EV basics, having at least one go-to person who understands the jargon and is excited about EVs is a huge asset.

Have chargers installed and operational at the dealership

As mentioned, it’s important to make sure that your dealership’s EVs are charged, so having chargers on-site is a big help. Although you can charge up at public stations, on-site units will also let you demonstrate their use to customers who may be in the market for one of their own as well.

Acknowledge industry changes

Innovation can be a powerful marketing tool, and acknowledging and embracing transformation in the industry signals to customers that your dealership is proactive and forward-focused.

Related content

Choosing an EV charger

Know your options

Electric vehicles available in B.C.

Know your options

Maintaining and insuring an EV

Learn about it

Quick Links

  • Home EV charger options
  • BC Hydro EV mobile app
  • Fast charger help centre

Program Partners

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  • CleanBC Go Electric

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Rebates for single-family homes

If installed at a single-family home, this charger may be eligible for a rebate of up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $350. 

This includes duplexes or townhouses with private garages or dedicated parking. 
Rebate amounts are subject to change. Visit the EV charger rebate program for information and eligibility criteria.

If installed at an apartment/condo or workplace, this networked charger may be eligible for a rebate. 

Rebates for apartments/condos

Up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $1,400 to $2,000 per charger.

Rebate amounts vary depending on factors such as whether or not the building is participating in other EV Ready rebates.

Rebates for workplaces

Up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $2,000 per charger.

Pre-approval from BC Hydro is required for apartment/condo and workplace customers. Program maximums apply.

Rebates for single-family homes

If installed at a single-family home, this charger may be eligible for a rebate of up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $350.

This includes duplexes or townhouses with private garages or dedicated parking. 

Rebate amounts are subject to change. Visit the EV charger rebate program for information and eligibility criteria.

Features

Load management: Allows multiple EV chargers to share the same electrical circuit, allowing the charging power to be distributed across each charger.

Networked: A networked charging station that is connected to a central system via internet communication such as open protocol (e.g. OCPP, OpenADR or other) or a proprietary system (must be connected to a network for minimum of two years).

Multiple ports: Allows multiple vehicles to charge at the same time.

CSA Certification: Tested and certified electric vehicle charging and components by CSA Group. 

cETL Certification: Compliant with North American safety standards and tested/certified by Intertek.

cUL Certification: Compliant with Canadian safety standards by UL Canada.

Breaker Current

Every circuit breaker has specified amperage (amount of current). The rating is the labelled on the breaker. Understanding your electrical service and panel is important in determining the type of EV charger you can support.

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