The Manitoba government has announced the launch of a new rebate program aimed at encouraging the purchase of electric vehicles (EVs). The initiative, which is part of the government’s efforts to reduce emissions and save money on gas, was announced by Environment and Climate Change Minister Tracy Schmidt and Finance Minister Adrien Sala.
The Manitoba Electric Vehicle Rebate program, backed by a $25 million fund, will offer a $4,000 incentive on new qualifying EV purchases and a $2,500 incentive on used qualifying EV purchases. The program, which includes EVs purchased on or after August 1, 2023, will run until March 2026.
Minister Schmidt stated, “We know Manitobans want to do their part to help lower emissions and protect our environment, and we want to help them make the switch. This is a win-win for our province. We’re fighting the climate crisis while also lowering costs for families right away with a rebate on EVs and helping them save money every month on their daily commute.”
Minister Sala added, “We are delivering on our campaign promise to help Manitoba families afford an electric vehicle. This is a significant rebate up front and it will help you save money in the long term – even with the lowest gas prices in Canada.”
To qualify for the rebate, vehicles must be purchased or leased from Manitoba dealerships with a maximum manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $70,000 for new vehicles or a maximum $70,000 purchase price for used vehicles. Each owner is eligible for one rebate per vehicle. New Tesla vehicles with a maximum MSRP of $70,000 purchased outside of Manitoba between Aug. 1, 2023 and May 2, 2024, also qualify.
Shelley Kowalchuk, an electric vehicle owner, shared her positive experience with EVs, “Our EVs save us money and they help the environment by reducing our dependency on fossil fuels. That’s a win-win for us. Manitoba is a great province to own an EV – the cost of electricity here is cheaper than most other provinces and the vehicles are very low maintenance.”
The ministers also noted that Manitoba Hydro offers a financing program to install Level 2 electric vehicle chargers at homes.
David Adams, president and CEO, Global Automakers of Canada, expressed support for the initiative, “The members of Global Automakers of Canada wish to acknowledge and support the progressive efforts by the Manitoba government to make the transition to electric vehicles more affordable for Manitobans through the introduction of the Manitoba Electric Vehicle Rebate program.”
Both battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are eligible for the incentive. Used EVs must be less than four years old and incentives for leased vehicles will be proportionate to the length of the lease, with a full incentive for a four-year lease.
Manitobans who already bought an EV between Aug. 1, 2023, and July 1, 2024, can apply for the incentive on the Manitoba Public Insurance website starting on July 2.
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