The Canadian Federal government, led by the newly elected Liberal party, unveiled its first budget this week and it confirmed a significant deficit for the next two years (~$29 billion) attached to important tax cuts for the middle class and families.
As for EVs, if you were hoping for a federal tax credit for electric vehicles, you will be disappointed, but the government is still throwing a few bones to EV enthusiasts.
Here’s the section in the budget about the electric vehicle investments:
“Budget 2016 proposes to provide $62.5 million over two years, starting in 2016–17, to Natural Resources Canada to support the deployment of infrastructure for alternative transportation fuels, including charging infrastructure for electric vehicles and natural gas and hydrogen refuelling stations. The Government will advance these objectives by working with provinces and territories, municipalities and the private sector. These resources will also support technology demonstration projects that advance electric vehicle charging technology.”
The investments will be spread out starting with $14 million in 2016-17 and $49 million in 2017-18.
In the 2016 budget, the government also confirmed tax supports for businesses to install electric vehicle charging stations and energy storage systems.
In a symbolic gesture, the federal government also plans to replace their limousines with electric vehicles. Are we going to see Justin Trudeau in a Tesla?
Featured Image: Prime minister-designate Justin Trudeau enters his car after taking a tour of the West Block construction site on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Tuesday, November 3, 2015. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
As nice as it would have been for me to receive the Ontario + federal EV rebates, I think it’s best kept for the provinces to implement/manage. Kudos to them for making green energy a priority though.
I’d love to see Trudeau in a Tesla!
If they are going to spend money on hydrogen stations, they will run out of money really quick
Better not spend any money on hydrogen. Just electric vehicle charging stations. period. We need that infrastructure. Hydrogen is a fad; it’s less efficient and batteries are aimed to catch up in terms of range in a handful of years at 400 watt hours per kilogram.
Thank you Mr Trudeau for a step in the right direction on Electric Vehicle education and your example to create that discussion.
With the fake ‘balanced budget’ (Harper never ever provided over 2 billion dollars from aboriginal financial budget commitments, in order to pretend there was a surplus for the 2015 election) I can appreciate the priorities in your budget going to job creating infrastructure and aboriginal water and education needs.
Although I voted for the Green Party, you have gained my respect & support by already enhancing my pride in being Canadian. Thank you and keep up the god work.
Gramps Dave Connell
Founder
Manitoba Electric Vehicle Association (MEVA)
Authorized Electric Scooter Dealer
204-981-6740
It’ll be interesting to see what vehicle they choose. i’m guessing it will be the something like the Pacifica hybrid EV, since Tesla’s cost upwards of 85,000 dollars canadian. The tesla battery is also a nightmare to produce environmentally speaking, and the power and torque is completely over the top for the average government jaunt. Tesla gets all the attention but there are a lot better hybrid EV’s options out there for something like half the price.
Don’t forget about the tesla model 3 coming out in 2017 that will be in the low 40s
I would be quite a joke if the Canadian government chose a plug-in hybrid instead of a full electric car. Plug-in hybrids are like bicycles with training wheels: When used well, you might as well be riding a real bicycle.
I would like to know the source that shows/proves the fact that the production of a Tesla battery is such an environmental nightmare to produce. I would be suspicious of a car made by a company whose CEO does not believe in electric cars.
Environmental disaster? Prove it.
The Gigafactory aims at zero carbon footprint, will be operational within a few years. You also believe that the hummer has less environmental impact than a Prius?
How is it a nightmare to produce? Sources needed.
Lithium as we know it today isn’t typically mined, it mainly comes from salar brines which is more economical and environmentally friendly than mining. (metals.about.com/od/properties/a/Lithium-Production.html). Tesla also recycles its batteries through partnering with companies in North America, Europe, and Asia (https://www.teslamotors.com/blog/teslas-closed-loop-battery-recycling-program).
Power and instant torque for most applications are there simply because it’s an electric motor. I highly doubt they’ll buy exclusively P90DLs since there is no need for that power and more range is wanted anyway. They’ll likely go with a mix of Leafs and Model S’s.
While I’m an owner at a limousine service, smart move by the Canadian govt. Our limos are gas hogs. Hopefully, they do the ROI on the electric vehicles over a 10 year period to see what the true cost savings will be for the taxpayers.