Plug in BC

In BC over 90% of electricity generated is clean energy. This makes electric vehicles a good option for BC drivers who want to cut greenhouse gas and other harmful emissions by driving cleaner and greener. Many people are discovering other advantages of EVs too — such as how much fun they are to drive!

Plug In BC is a program of the Fraser Basin Council that offers information and support on plug-in vehicles and charging in BC. The program owes its success of over a decade to the collaboration of government, industry, community groups and institutions. Federal, provincial and some private industry incentives are accelerating the uptake of electric vehicles in BC.

Here’s a look at current programs administered by FBC’s Plug in BC team. Head to the Plug in BC website for details on the full range of services and incentives.

CleanBC "Go Electric" Public Charger Program

The CleanBC Go Electric Public Charger Program will help bring up to 450 new DCFC public chargers (EV fast chargers) and up to 200 new Level 2 public charging stations to BC. As the charging network expands, it's getting easier to drive electric on major routes throughout British Columbia. Learn about the incentives!

The CleanBC Go Electric Public Charger Program (part of the CleanBC Go Electric Program) is intended to increase the number of public Direct Current Fast Charger (DCFC) stations throughout BC to support the growing number of zero emission vehicles on the road.

Incentives are available to fill gaps in the public DCFC network, such as in Indigenous communities and in rural and northern areas. There is also an opportunity to apply for incentives in city centres where there are long lineups for DCFCs due to high electric vehicle uptake, high concentrations of multi-unit residential buildings, or other reasons (detailed applications related to these needs are encouraged).

Businesses, not-for-profits, local governments, Indigenous communities, utilities and public sector organizations with eligible installation sites can apply for incentives and must be approved for the program prior to incurring costs.

A new round of funding is now open — apply by Friday, June 2, 2023. For details, visit Plug in BC's Public Charger Program.

Incentives available:

• DCFC Public Chargers: Varying rebates of up to $80,000 per charge port depending on charger output, to a maximum of 50% of project costs, with enhanced rebates of up to $130,000 per port and a maximum of 90% of project costs for Indigenous communities.
• Level 2 Public Charging Stations: Incentives are also available for Level 2 stations (co-located with DCFCs only, or by meeting specified requirements). Rebates are for up to $5,000 per station, to a maximum of 50% of costs ($7,500 to a maximum of 90% of costs for Indigenous communities).

One of the conditions for funding under the program is that the installation site and equipment must be publicly accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

EV Advisor Service for Stratas and Workplaces

Plug in BC’s Electric Vehicle Advisors offer free advice to employers, staff, residents and strata councils on charging incentives, charging installation processes, user guidelines within stratas and workplaces, and on the benefits of acquiring chargers. Their services can include lunch & learn sessions, presentations at AGMs/SGMs, or webinars for decision makers.

Please note that detached houses, duplexes, rowhouses and townhouse units with individual private parking areas are not eligible for the service.

Learn more on the Plug in BC site: EV Advisor Services.

CleanBC Go Electric Fleets

The CleanBC Go Electric Fleets program aims to support fleets in their transition to zero-emission vehicles by providing training, advisory services and financial support.

Through the program, BC fleets can access rebates for ZEV readiness assessments, infrastructure assessments and upgrades as well as the purchase and installation of charging infrastructure to support the future of their fleets. For a limited time, eligible fleets can access enhanced rebates for the Go Electric Fleets program.

Go Electric Fleets Program funding and technical support are restricted to fleets that are based in British Columbia and have taken the West Coast Electric Vehicle pledge at Express Lane level, or higher: Committing to at least 10% ZEVs for all new fleet vehicle procurement by 2025 and annually revisiting this pledge to consider a higher ZEV procurement goal. All BC-based fleets that have taken the pledge are considered as Go Electric Fleets Program participants.

Details on the Plug in BC site: CleanBC Electric Fleets

Specialty Use Vehicle Incentive

The Specialty Use Vehicle Incentive (SUVI) Program offers rebates on a electric motorcycles, low-speed vehicles, electric cargo bicycles (cargo-bikes), utility vehicles, and a variety of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. The vehicle rebate enables a purchaser or lessee of an eligible specialty-use vehicle to receive a post-purchase rebate.

The purchaser or lessee of an eligible vehicle can receive money back by applying to the program. Applications for any vehicle category incentive must be received within 90 days of purchasing the vehicle.

Learn more on the Plug in BC SUVI site.

Emotive: The Electric Vehicle Experience

Emotive – The Electric Vehicle Experience is a public outreach campaign and collaborative program to raise awareness about electric vehicles in BC.

FBC administers Emotive Community Outreach Incentives, with provincial funding, to help communities and organizations deliver their own local and regional EV awareness campaigns.

Visit the Emotive website and follow on social media for the latest on:

• upcoming community educational events – including EV test drives and demonstrations
• #LiveElectric stories featuring of EV drivers from around BC
• opportunities to volunteer as an EV ambassador to share your own experiences
• practical info on accessing EV incentives and driving electric.