Gas prices are coming dangerously close to hitting record highs and, naturally, Canadians mulling a new car purchase are wise to explore ways to reduce their fuel bill on their next vehicle. With every passing year, more and more Canadians are finding the answer in electrified vehicles like hybrids, plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles and, in some of the provinces with the highest average gas prices, there are a variety of rebates on such technologically advanced vehicles.
On May 1, 2019, a new federal rebate took effect to encourages drivers to purchase electric vehicles. The rebates take up to $5,000 off the cost of electric vehicles, and $2,500 off of plug-in hybrids, for vehicles that have a starting MSRP <$45,000 and whose higher vehicle trims does not exceed $55,000.
Plug-in hybrids – which have a gas engine plus electric motors and battery pack that can be recharged at home or charging stations – with battery packs between 4 kWh and 15 kWh. The Toyota Prius Prime plug-in hybrid, with 40 km of electric range thanks to its 8.8-kWh lithium-ion battery, qualifies for a $2,500 rebate.