Electric Vehicles

Electric Vehicle Incentive Program

Effective July 1, 2010, Ontario consumers will be eligible for an incentive ranging from $5,000 to $8,500 towards the purchase or lease of a new plug-in hybrid electric or battery electric vehicle.

Download the incentive application form (PDF version, Web version) and guide (PDF version, Web version).

What is a battery electric vehicle?

For the purposes of this program a battery electric vehicle (EV) is a vehicle that is powered by electricity and contains a battery to store energy. There are two main types of EVs: conventional hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and grid-connected vehicles that include plug-in hybrid battery electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

Unlike HEVs, PHEVs and BEVs have larger capacity batteries that can be recharged by plugging in to the electricity grid. Only new PHEVs and BEVs are eligible for the incentive program.

Which vehicles are eligible and what is the value of the incentive?

The EV incentive program applies to new, highway capable, plug-in hybrid eligible electric vehicles (PHEVs) or battery electric vehicles (BEVs) purchased on or after July 1, 2010. The value of the incentive is based on the vehicle’s battery capacity and ranges from $5,000 for a 4 kWh battery to $8,500 for a 17kWh battery. The value of the incentive for leased vehicles is scaled to the term of the lease.

Conventional hybrids, low-speed electric vehicles, off-road vehicles, plug-in electric vehicle conversions from hybrids, petroleum-based or other vehicle types, electric motorcycles, electric bikes ("e-bikes"), and vehicles with fewer than four wheels are not eligible for the incentive.

Please consult the official list of vehicles that currently qualify for the incentive.

Who can apply for the incentive?

The EV incentive program is open to persons, businesses, municipalities, non-government organizations and non-profit groups. Applicants can receive incentives for no more than five vehicles per calendar year.

Are leased vehicles eligible for the incentive?

Leased vehicles are eligible for an incentive depending on the term of the lease and whether the vehicle is used for personal or fleet purposes. To qualify for the full value of the incentive, a minimum 36-month lease term is required. For vehicles leased for shorter terms, the incentive will be applied according to the following schedule.

Term of Lease (months)	Applicable Incentive for Personal Vehicles (% of full incentive)	Applicable Incentive for Fleet Vehicles (% of full incentive)
12	33.3%	0%
24	66.7%	0%
36	100%	100%

If vehicles do not meet the specified term requirements, the incentive payment must be repaid in full.

Are there residency requirements that must be met to qualify for the incentive?

To qualify for the incentive, EVs for personal use must be registered and plated in Ontario for a minimum of 12 months. Fleet vehicles must be registered and plated in Ontario for a minimum of 36 months to qualify for the program.

Eligible electric vehicles purchased in another jurisdiction can qualify for the incentive only if the registration of the vehicle in Ontario is the first time the vehicle has been registered in any jurisdiction. Vehicles that have been registered in other jurisdictions prior to Ontario do not qualify for the incentive.

If vehicles do not meet the residency requirements for the specified term, the incentive payment must be repaid in full.

How do I receive my incentive?

There are two ways to receive the incentive. The automobile dealer can apply the incentive at the point-of-sale and then submit the incentive application on your behalf. Alternatively, you can purchase the vehicle at full price and apply directly for the incentive by completing the application form and submitting it to the Ontario Ministry of Revenue.

The incentive is applied to the after tax value of the vehicle. In the case of a leased vehicle, the monthly principle amount will reflect the reduced cost of the vehicle.

For more information about the incentive program

• Consult the list of eligible vehicles and incentive values
• Download the incentive application form (PDF version, Web version) and guide (PDF version, Web version).
• If you are a vehicle manufacturer, download an application to qualify your vehicle for the Electric Vehicle Incentive Program
• Refer to Frequently Asked Questions
• Contact ServiceOntario at 1-866-668-8297

For more information about electric vehicles and climate change

• Ontario's Climate Change Action Plan
• Ontario Ministry of the Environment
• Natural Resources Canada – Electric Vehicle Information Page
• Transport Canada – Electric Vehicle Technology Development Program