Back in September of last year, the provincial government enacted a series of financial incentives designed to get BC residents to make the switch to an electric vehicle. The EV charger rebate is one of these incentives, and it is scheduled to remain in effect until March 2021, or until funds for the program run out. In fact, there are two main distinctions that we should point out between rebates for home EV charging stations and the rebate for workplace charger stations. To help you learn how each rebate works, and how you can benefit from each one, we have prepared a brief guide below.
Brief Guide of EV Charger Rebate in BC
How to Qualify for Home Rebate?
Let’s start by talking about the home EV charging station rebate, and what qualifications need to be met in order to get the rebate. First, You must be residential FortisBC electricity or municipal electricity customer of Grand Forks, Penticton, Summerland or Nelson Hydro. You must also live in one of the following types of homes to be eligible for the rebate. Anyone living in the following type of residence can qualify for the charging station rebate:
- Single-family detached
- Side-by-side duplex
- Rowhouse/townhouse with individual hydrometer/dedicated unit parking
- Mobile home on a permanent foundation
Once you confirm your property is eligible, you must also ensure the home is at least six months old. New builds are not eligible for the rebate. The property must also have a dedicated parking space for residents. Keep in mind that this rebate will only offset costs incurred after September 2019 (the start date for the rebate). You also may not combine this rebate with other incentives such as ZAPBC. Once you have installed your EV charging station at an eligible property, you must apply for the rebate within 90 days to qualify.
Workplace Rebate Eligibility
Next, let’s go over the requirements for workplace EV charger rebates here in BC. Similar to the home rebate, the workplace rebate only offsets costs incurred after September 2019. Your workplace must also be connected to the electrical grid supported by FortisBC or the municipal utilities of Grand Forks, Penticton, Summerland or Nelson Hydro.
Your workplace must also host at least 5 regular workers, have dedicated parking for each charging station, and the building itself must have been constructed before August 31, 2019 (newly constructed buildings are not eligible). The following types of workplaces or multi-unit buildings may qualify for the workplace EV charger’s rebate:
- Condominiums
- High-rise complex
- Apartment building
Home Rebate Incentive Details
Once you’ve met all the criteria, and have submitted your application for an EV charging station rebate within 90 days of your charging station purchase, you can begin to reap the benefits of your eco-friendly purchase. After the application is approved by your utility provider, you will receive a cheque from FortisBC. Even if FortisBC isn’t your utility provider, the cheque will still come from them. Under this program, homeowners can save up to $350 on the costs of purchasing and installing an eligible Level 2 charging station for an electric vehicle. The station must be purchased not leased, and it’s level 2 classification means it is compatible with 208v or 240v power outlets and plugs (standard for EV chargers).
Workplace Rebate Incentive Details
Similar requirements and benefits are available under the workplace rebate, though instead of maxing out at $350 per application, the rebate can provide up to $2000 in incentives for the purchase of Level 2 EV charging stations. This is due to the fact that these larger properties can host more stations, thus making it easier for businesses and/or property owners to purchase multiple charging stations.
If you need more information about rebate your EV charger in BC, please visit the BCHydro’s EV charger rebate program or Fortis BC’s rebates and offers. For more information about purchasing and installing the right EV charging station for your home or workplace, be sure to contact the EV charger install experts here at BPM Electric today!
