Tesla has lowered the price of its vehicles by C$1 to attract Canadian customers.
The manufacturer of the most popular electric car in Canada can now qualify for a federal program, under which Canadians can get a C$5,000 rebate to buy zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs).
The program is effective May 1st. A C$5,000 rebate can be obtained with the purchase of an electric car, and C$2,500 is offered to the buyers of hybrid models. Earlier, it has been reported that Tesla does not qualify for the program as its price is C$45,000; and the government benefit applies only to car models costing up to C$45,000 and to more expensive versions priced at C$55,000 or higher.
Tesla has created a new version of its popular Model 3 with a shorter range of 150 km and priced it at C$44,999 to qualify for the program. There is also a Plus Model available for C$53,700. Both prices do not include shipping and inspection costs of C$1,300, as well as registration fees.
Electric car rebates are part of a federal government strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change. A list of electric and hybrid cars available for purchase can be found on Transport Canada’s website.
Car experts have no doubt that government incentives will increase sales of electric vehicles. They note that when Ontario stopped giving a rebate of C$14,000 last year, sales of electric vehicles plummeted in this province.
In addition to the federal rebate, the residents of British Columbia can also get a provincial rebate of C$5,000. In Quebec, the provincial discount is even higher — C$8,000, which means you can save C$13,000 on a ZEV purchase.