The provincial government will end its Electric Vehicle Incentive Program on July 1.
"This rebate program made it possible for many New Brunswickers to buy an electric vehicle during their introduction to the market, and is helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said Finance and Treasury Board Minister René Legacy, who is also the minister responsible for energy. "With the federal government announcing that their electric vehicle rebate program would be paused, we used the opportunity to redirect our focus, as well, but still giving New Brunswickers time to take advantage of the New Brunswick rebate program."
New Brunswickers can still apply for the provincial rebate through NB Power, which delivers the program on behalf of the government, provided their electric vehicle purchase is made by June 30. Buyers will have up to 30 days to submit their receipt and application to receive their rebate.
While the rebate program is wrapping up, Legacy said the government is shifting its focus to addressing the need for more charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
"We hope that our commitment to funding more charging stations across New Brunswick will encourage continued electric vehicle sales and address the concerns related to range anxiety," said Legacy. "We hope to have more details in the near future."
Legacy said the rebate program was a notable success in the province, enabling the government to surpass its climate change action plan target of electric vehicles making up six per cent of new light-duty vehicle sales by 2025. There are now almost 7,000 electric vehicles on the road in New Brunswick, and uptake is expected to increase.
With prices falling and expected to eventually reach parity with traditional gas-powered vehicles, electric vehicles are becoming a more affordable option.
"NB Power is proud to have worked with the government of New Brunswick to deliver this successful rebate program for our customers and support the growing adoption of electric vehicles in our province," said Jean Marc Landry, the utility's chief customer officer.
