Electric Vehicle Incentive
The Government of Prince Edward Island is offering one of the most generous electric vehicle (EV) incentive in Canada by providing $5,000 to Islanders who purchase a new or used EV. Government will also offer $2,500 to those who buy a plug-in hybrid from April 1, 2021 onwards.
Previously, these incentives included a free level 2 charger but as of March 1, 2023 , Islanders who utilize the PEI Universal EV Incentive (both BEV and PHEV) will instead receive a $750 charging incentive to go towards the purchase and installation of a level 2 charger or towards charging costs for those unable to install a charger.
As of March 1, 2023 the total PEI Electric Vehicle and Charging incentive will be $5,750 for EVs and $3,250 for PHEVs.
Islanders who buy a new, fully electric vehicle may be eligible for up to $10,750 off the purchase price with the Federal Government incentive of $5,000 and the PEI Universal EV and Charging Incentive of $5,750 combined.
How do I get an EV incentive?
If you are purchasing from a PEI dealership
Start by visiting a PEI car dealership. They will offer you a point-of-sale rebate. This means they will take the rebate off the cost of your vehicle.
PEI dealerships will complete the documentation required to receive the rebate and they will submit the application form to Access PEI. Incentives are administered at the point-of-sale, applied directly to the bill of sale or lease agreement.
Off-Island dealerships
If you purchase your vehicle outside of PEI, you will need to apply for your rebate once you register your vehicle in PEI. To be eligible for a rebate, your vehicle must have been purchased on or after January 1, 2023.
When you register your vehicle at an Access PEI location, let them know that you are applying for an electric vehicle incentive as well. Bring the following when you register/apply:
- Bill of sale/Lease agreement from licensed dealership
- Valid PEI driver’s license
- Payee registration form and void cheque so the rebate can be deposited into your bank account. Access PEI can provide you with the payee registration form if needed.
- You will be required to fill out the application form. You can fill it out and bring in the application form when you register, or Access PEI can provide it to you when you arrive and staff will assist you in filling it out.
What are the program details?
Prince Edward Island will follow Transport Canada’s eligibility requirements and most incentive amounts.
A list of eligible new vehicles can be found on Transport Canada's website. Amounts offered for an incentive may differ provincially, for example: Plug-in Hybrids will only qualify for a $3250 regardless of battery size or range.
The incentive is applied after taxes.
Used BEVs/PHEVs must have a sticker price of $70,000 or less to qualify for the incentive. This change was made on March 1, 2023 but is retroactive to January 1, 2023. If you purchased a used vehicle over $55,000 between January 1- March 1, 2023, you can receive your retroactive payment by bringing your bill of sale and registration into any Access PEI location.
The Universal EV Incentive can also apply to leases on new vehicles:
$5,750 BEV leased incentive:
48 month lease: $5,750
36 month lease: $4,312
24 month lease: $2,875
12 month lease: $1,437
$3,250 PHEV leased incentive:
48 month lease: $3,250
36 month lease: $2,437
24 month lease: $1,625
12 month lease: $812
Are new and used vehicles eligible for the Universal EV Inventive?
Yes. The EV Universal Incentive offers new and used battery electric vehicles (BEV) a $5750 incentive. New and used plug-in hybrids (PHEV) are eligible for a $3250 incentive.
Each vehicle, as identified by the unique vehicle identification number (VIN), will be eligible for one new and one used EV Incentive. To confirm if a used vehicle VIN is still eligible for an EV incentive please e-mail: EVIncentive@gov.pe.ca.
Who can access the Universal EV Incentive?
Islanders who purchase an eligible EV/PHEV at an Island dealership, off-Island dealership or online will be able to access the EV Universal Incentive. Private sales will not qualify for incentives at this time.
Are fleet vehicles eligible for the Universal EV Incentive?
Yes. Organizations, non-profits and private businesses will only be able to access up to five incentives per year, including First Nations, Indigenous Groups and organizations that support Indigenous Peoples and Municipalities.
What happens if I sell my EV after receiving the Incentive?
Those who utilize the incentive must commit to owning the vehicle for at least one year, if they decide to sell their vehicle prior to the end of year one they will need to pay back a prorated amount.
Will I be provided with a charger?
The province, as of March 1, 2023, is no longer providing free level two chargers to those who receive the incentive. Instead, $750 has been added to the incentive amount to go towards charger purchase and installation and/or charging fees. This will allow EV owners to purchase the charger of their choice as there is considerable variety in the market. Also, we recognize that some EV owners are unable to install a level two charger with these funds provided to assist with charging costs.
What vehicles are eligible for the PEI Universal EV Incentive?
Prince Edward Island will follow Transport Canada’s eligibility requirements. The Universal EV Incentive for used vehicles will be eligible on all EVs with a sticker value of $70,000 or less and must not be more than seven model years old. For example, vehicles purchased in 2023 must be 2016 and newer. This stipulation doesn’t apply to converted vehicles purchased through PEI’s Upcyle Green Technology Inc.
Do I qualify for both the federal rebate and the PEI Universal EV Incentive?
Islanders who purchase a new fully electric vehicle may be eligible for up to $10,750 off the purchase price by combining the Federal Government rebate of $5,000 and the PEI Universal EV Incentive.
Who do I contact for more information about EV incentives?
Send an email to EVIncentive@gov.pe.ca and a staff member will assist you.