Electric vehicle rebate among staff proposals to speed up Toronto’s target to become a carbon neutral city
City staff are proposing a number of recommendations to move the city on the path to becoming carbon neutral, and these proposals include incentives for electric vehicles and other environmentally friendly transportation options, and the city is asking a broad-based public consultation on the proposals.
The City of Toronto is proposing an Electric Vehicle Rebate program to help people choose and purchase electric vehicles, and the rebate program would target lower income households over two different time frames.
“By reducing their greenhouse gas emissions, we believe the rebate program can make a difference for thousands of people and help us become one of the first cities in North America to become a carbon neutral city,” said Coun. Josh Colle (Ward 26, Don Valley East), Chair of Council’s Panel of Environmental Goals.
“The rebate could be especially effective where a low income driver who isn’t yet ready to purchase gas-electric hybrid vehicles, doesn’t have money to put into a new vehicle or a gas-electric hybrid.”
Electric Vehicle Rebate program details
Electric Vehicle Rebate Program
Electric vehicle rebate program
Two proposed rebate programs for electric vehicles.
The first rebate program would provide a $500 rebate to any owner of an electric vehicle for the first three months of purchase of a vehicle registered and eligible for the rebate. The rebates for three months of vehicle ownership would expire on June 30, 2030, unless renewed.
The second rebate program would provide $1500 rebate to any owner of an electric vehicle for the first six months of purchase of a vehicle registered and eligible for the rebate. The rebate for six months of vehicle ownership would expire on May 31, 2036, unless renewed.
These rebate programs are part of Mayor John Tory’s Climate Action Plan and, in the spirit of that plan, the city is asking the public to provide input on the ideas for electric vehicle rebate programs. You can download and complete a survey about electric vehicle rebate programs here.
Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles offer the ultimate in mobility and reduce vehicle greenhouse gas emissions, because they can run on electricity generated from renewable power sources – such as solar or wind power. They can also be charged by plugging the vehicle into a wall socket, like a car or bike.
Tory recently announced a new electric transit pilot program and he is looking at ways