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Tips for the electric vehicle buying process

How to buy your EV quickly and easily

Most people will agree that buying any new car can be a long and confusing process. But what if you're buying an electric vehicle (EV)? By being flexible and planning ahead, it can actually be relatively quick and easy.

Payment options

Cash, finance or lease?

Decide how you want to pay for your EV. If you're financing or leasing, use the numbers on the manufacturer's website to do some rough calculations ahead of visiting the dealership. Don't forget to subtract your average monthly maintenance and gas costs for your current gas-powered vehicle from the monthly EV cost (including tax) for a ballpark figure of what your new EV might cost overall. Depending on your current gas costs, you might find you can save quite a lot – or be able to afford a more expensive vehicle than you thought.

Where to buy

Find an experienced EV dealership

As mentioned on our test drive page, call around to find a dealership for your chosen manufacturer with an EV enthusiast on the sales team who can properly advise you – even if this means travelling further.

Be flexible

Or be prepared to wait a bit

EVs are in huge demand at the moment, so a very specific vehicle might take time to locate. If you're prepared to wait, that's fine. But if you need your EV right away, you might need to be flexible about the details.

HOV lane decal 

Get your application ready to go

You may have seen EVs displaying a white OK decal. EVs displaying this decal can travel in the HOV lane with just one passenger unless otherwise indicated. So while you're waiting for the dealer to find your ideal EV, get your OK decal application ready so you can submit it the moment your new car arrives.

Install a charger

Get a home charger fitted

Yes, it sounds obvious, but if you're permitted to install a home charger, why not get it done before your vehicle arrives so that you can charge up right away? There are also rebates available for chargers. Find out more about the EV charger rebate program.

Find your next ride

Ready to start shopping? Learn about EV models available in B.C., current rebates and vehicle features.

Know your options

EV incentives

Save up to $9,000 on a new vehicle

B.C. residents, businesses, non-profit organizations and local government organizations may be eligible for incentives when purchasing or leasing qualifying new electric vehicles: one worth up to $4,000 from the Government of B.C.'s CleanBC Go Electric Program and another worth up to $5,000 from the federal government. These are applied directly to the pre-tax sticker price by the dealership. Pre-approval for provincial rebates is required.

Find out more about EV rebates and incentives in B.C.

In addition to these, you may be eligible for SCRAP-IT, a program that offers incentives to use towards the cost of buying an EV in B.C. and other low-carbon forms of transportation when you scrap your existing gas-powered vehicle. The incentives apply to purchases of both new and used EVs.

Visit SCRAP-IT for full program details.

Save up to $350 on a home EV charger

You can apply for a rebate of up to $350 towards the purchase and installation of a home EV charger. Apartment/condo and workplace charger incentives are also available.

Find out more about available charger rebates.

EV charger rebate program

Related content

Test driving an EV

Learn about it

Maintaining and insuring an EV

Learn about it

How to install an EV charger at home

Follow the checklist

Quick Links

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

Program Partners

  • Go to BCHydro.com
  • 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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