2019 Federal Budget Impacts EVs
The 2019 federal budget contained many commitments regarding the electrification of vehicles. To support the adoption of zero-emission vehicles for businesses, the budget included a full tax write-off, deductible up to $55,000 plus sales tax, for qualifying vehicles. Eligible vehicles include battery electric, plug-in hybrid or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Notably, for transit, this includes heavy-duty vehicles. This program will apply to vehicles purchased from March 19, 2019, and before January 1, 2024.
For individuals looking to buy electric vehicles, a new federal purchase incentive will provide $300 million over three years, starting in 2019–20, worth up to $5,000 to consumers of electric battery or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles with a retail price of less than $45,000.
Among other measures supporting electrification, the budget also provided Natural Resources Canada with $130 million over five years, starting in 2019–20, to deploy new recharging and refueling stations.