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  • Why go electric
    • Why drive an EV?
    • Will an EV fit my lifestyle?
    • How much does owning an EV cost?
    • Fuel savings calculator: EV vs. gas vehicle
    • EV technologies and types
    • Q&A: Advice from EV owners
  • Buying guide
    • EV models available in B.C.
    • Tips for the EV buying process
    • Test driving an EV
    • Buying a used EV
    • Maintaining and insuring an EV
    • EV info for car dealers
  • Charging
    • Choosing an EV charger
    • Home charging
      • How to install an EV charger at home
      • Questions to ask your EV electrician
    • Apartment charging
      • How to install EV charging at an apartment
      • Request EV charging in your building
      • Metering and billing options for apartments
    • Workplace charging
      • How to install EV charging at a workplace
    • Public charging
      • Finding EV charging stations
      • Fast charging support and mobile app
      • Taking a road trip in an EV
    • Where to buy an EV charger
    • Charging and your BC Hydro bill
  • Rebates
    • EV incentives in B.C.
    • B.C.'s EV charger rebate program
      • Rebates for home chargers
      • Rebates for apartment/condo buildings
      • Rebates for workplace chargers
    • Rebate-eligible EV chargers
    • Local charger rebate top-ups
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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 $8,000 on a new vehicle

B.C. residents, businesses, non-profit organizations and local government organizations who purchase or lease qualifying new vehicles are currently eligible for two rebates: one worth up to $3,000 from the Government of B.C. and another worth up to $5,000 from the federal government. These are applied directly to the pre-tax sticker price by the dealership.

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

In addition to these, you may be eligible for SCRAP-IT, a program offered in B.C. that offers incentives to use towards the cost of an EV 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

  • Apply for EV charger rebates
  • Get the BC Hydro EV app
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  • CleanBC
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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 charging equipment may be eligible for a rebate. 

Rebates for apartments/condos

The rebate amount depends on when the building was constructed with respect to municipal bylaws requiring EV-ready parking stalls.

Constructed prior to municipal bylaws: Up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $14,000 (up to $2,000 per station and up to $1,000 per energized outlet). 

Constructed after municipal bylaws: Up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $5,000 (up to $350 per station). 

Rebates for workplaces

Up to 50% of purchase and installation costs to a maximum of $14,000 (up to $2,000 per station). 

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

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: Connected to a central system via the internet to provide benefits such as real-time  software updates, billing controls, and tracking to get insights into your electricity consumption. 

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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