The New Brunswick government has announced it is ending 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.”
Legacy said in a release that the program has enabled 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.”
According to the province, there are now almost 7,000 electric vehicles on New Brunswick roads.
“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.”
NB Powers eCharging map shows about 160 electric vehicle chargers province-wide, which wouldn’t include those installed at private businesses, by U.S.-based Tesla or homeowners.
New Brunswickers can still apply to NB Power for the purchase of an electric vehicle by June 30. Buyers have 30 days to submit receipts and applications to receive their rebates, according to the release.
Legacy said the government will shift to addressing the need for more charging infrastructure, adding it believes electric cars will eve
usually reach parity with traditional gas-powered vehicles.
NB Power said it is proud to have worked with the government to deliver the program.
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