New EV charger rebates for homes, condos, and workplaces
Helpful incentives for Level 2 charging stations available through BC Hydro
A variety of rebates for the purchase and installation of Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations in homes, multi-unit residential buildings, and workplaces, are now officially available in B.C.
Funded by the B.C.'s Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation – and administered by BC Hydro and Fortis BC – the $4.8 million in rebates makes it more affordable for residents, building managers, strata councils, and businesses to add Level 2 charging. For a limited time, BC Hydro is matching the provincial rebate amount for single-family homes.
This program also offers expert support for the planning of stations in condos, apartment buildings and workplaces.
While most residents, condos, and businesses in B.C. qualify for these incentives, the specifics and processes around the rebates vary. One key distinction is that residents in single-family homes can only apply for the rebate after installing an approved Level 2 charger, while condo and workplace rebates require completing an application for a "reserved" rebate (and pre-approval) before the EV charger installation work has begun.
As an Alliance member, it's vital to get familiar with incentive details and to take advantage of electric vehicle infrastructure training in October. While rebate applicants aren't required to use an Alliance member for charging station installation, program information on the BC Hydro website includes a link to Alliance referrals.
Also included on the rebates site is a list of pre-approved Level 2 EV charging equipment models. If an applicant purchases a station not on the list, it can still be eligible, but only if the station meets the detailed criteria outlined in each program area.
Here's an overview of the available EV charging station incentives available under the program.
For a limited time, rebates for single-family homes are 50% of cost, up to a maximum of $700
As the majority of EV charging is done at home, the provincial rebate program includes rebates of up to $350 for the purchase and installation of one new, eligible Level 2 (208V or 240V AC) charging station for single-family homes. While funds last, BC Hydro is matching that rebate, bringing the potential savings up to $700.
The rebate also applies to mobile homes, and homes that are part of duplexes and townhomes, as long as they have private garages or dedicated parking.
While the rebates are limited to one per residence, customers with multiple residences can apply for more than one rebate, based on proof of title for each separate home.
Eligible costs include:
- Purchase of the charging station;
- Labour and construction costs for the installation of the charging station by a licensed electrician;
- Electrical and other related permits; and
- Electrical design to accommodate the charging stations.
The rebate is not available to those who have taken advantage of rebates from ZAPBC.
Eligible chargers must be a Level 2 station featuring an SAE J1772 standard plug head, purchased (not leased) in B.C., approved for sale and use in Canada, and be a permanent installation. Rebate applications must be submitted within 90 days of the completion of a charging station's installation.
Condo & apartment rebates up to $2,000 per station, for up to $14,000 for multiple installations
Many residents of condos and other multi-unit residential buildings face significant barriers to accessing EV charging at home, including complex technical requirements, where to install charging stations, and how to share stations and costs. The new rebate program features an application to reserve an incentive, before any work is done, and is received once all work is completed.
The offer is available to all B.C. residents, building owners, managers and other building representatives (such as strata councils) who reside in, or have oversight of, an eligible condo or apartment built no later than August 31, 2019. It is only meant for retrofits, however, as new buildings aren't eligible.
Successful applicants will be reimbursed for 50% of the cost of purchase and installation of eligible new, Level 2 charging stations or energized 208V or 240V outlets dedicated to EV charging, up to a maximum of $2,000 per station. Applications can apply for multiple stations up to a maximum of $14,000 per application. Double-port stations count as two charging stations and are eligible for 50% of total costs up to $4,000.
There's also a reduced rebate amount (50% up to a maximum of $350 per station) for applicants living in condos or apartments built after local municipal bylaws required EV-ready parking stalls. The multiple-station maximum in those buildings is $5,000 per application.
Eligible costs include:
- Purchase of the charging station;
- Purchase of a revenue grade meter;
- Labour and construction costs for the installation of the charging station, associated conduit, and revenue grade meter by a licensed electrician;
- Site assessments of the building's requirements and costs to install EV charging infrastructure.
The rebate is not available to those who have taken advantage of rebates from ZAPBC.
Workplace rebates available to eligible businesses with five-plus employees
After charging at home, the workplace is the most popular charge point for EV drivers. With considerable technical and logistical challenges, including where to locate stations and how to deal with costs, applicants may submit to reserve an incentive before work begins, receiving the rebate after the work is completed and paid for, and all requirements are met.
The program is open to B.C. residents, registered companies, building owners, managers, or other building representatives who reside or have oversight of an eligible owned or leased workplace or building. Rebates are for 50% of costs up to $2,000 per station, or up to $14,000 for multiple stations.
Eligible costs include:
- Purchase of the charging station;
- Purchase of revenue grade meter;
- Labour and construction costs for the installation of the charging station, associated conduit, and revenue grade meter by a licensed electrician;
- Site assessments of the building's requirements and costs to install EV charging infrastructure;
- Identification of potential design options for up to 100% electrification;
- Electrical and other related permits;
- Parking and electrical design to accommodate the charging stations, conduit, and revenue grade meter; and
- EV parking signage.
The rebate is not available to those who have taken advantage of rebates from ZAPBC.