Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday announced a new program to give rebates to Canadians who buy electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles as part of a five-point plant to “transform” the Canadian auto sector.
Carney says he will also repeal the electric vehicle mandate, and put in place new emissions standards.
Speaking in the Greater Toronto Area, Carney said the program, which he called the Electric Vehicle Affordability Program, will include $2.3 billion in funding for these purchases.
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Carney said Canadians who purchase or lease a battery-electric or fuel cell electric vehicle will receive up to $5,000 and up to $2,500 for plug-in hybrids priced up to $50,000.
“To support the Canadian auto industry, this $50,000 cap will not apply to Canadian-made EVs and plug-in hybrids,” Carney said.
“And these incentives will only apply to vehicles produced in countries with whom Canada has a free trade agreement.”
Carney said the five-point plan which includes major spending on electric vehicle charging infrastructure and tax credits to incentivize domestic production “will shape the future of mobility and advance manufacturing in Canada as part of the coordinated plan to build a stronger, more competitive, more independent country.”
Canada’s automotive sector currently faces steep tariffs of 25 per cent from U.S. President Donald Trump and the president has threatened further tariffs on “all goods” from Canada over a trade deal with China.
Government and industry sources, who were not authorized to publicly discuss details ahead of the announcement, told The Canadian Press the strategy will scrap the electric vehicle sales mandate in favour of new vehicle emissions standards.
More to come
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