What is an Electric Vehicle (EV)?

EVs are vehicles that get their power from electricity instead of gasoline or diesel. Instead of filling up the tank they can be recharged by being plugged into an external source of electricity, such as a wall socket. There are two major types of EVs:

1. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), which have only an electric motor and no internal combustion engine; and
2. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), which have both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine).

Hybrid vehicles that cannot be plugged in to charge their battery are not considered EVs under this rebate program.

When does the EV rebate program start?

The Program was announced on July 8, 2021.  New Brunswick residents and eligible organizations who purchase or lease an eligible EV can receive rebates.

Rebates will be available at the point-of-sale (i.e., applied at the time of purchase) from participating automotive dealers.

Dealerships which provide rebates  to consumers at the time of sale or lease will be responsible for completing required documentation to seek reimbursement.

Consumers who purchase eligible EVs where the point of sale rebate is not yet offered will be able to receive their rebate by submitting a claim to the program administrator.

How long will the program last?

Plug-In NB is projected to be a three-year program. Rebates are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis and will remain available until the program budget is exhausted or the program is terminated.

Who is eligible?

To be eligible for the EV rebate, the applicant must be a New Brunswick resident, and the vehicle must be purchased from a licensed dealer in New Brunswick. Businesses registered in New Brunswick, non-profit organizations, municipal governments, and First Nations are also eligible. There is a limit of 10 new EV and 10 used EV rebates for organizations in a 12-month period.

What vehicles are eligible for the new EV rebate?

The rebate for new EVs will apply to the same makes and models as in the Government of Canada iZEV program.

Specifically, the rebates will apply to:

• Passenger vehicles, where the base model trim MSRP is less than $55,000. Higher priced trims of these vehicles, up to a maximum of $65,000 will also be eligible for a rebate; and
• Trucks, vans, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), and station wagons vehicles where the base model trim is less than $60,000. Higher priced trims of these vehicles, up to a maximum of $70,000 will also be eligible for a rebate.

Please see the list of eligible vehicles available from the iZEV program.

In all cases, to be eligible for a new EV rebate, all vehicles must also:

• meet all federal and provincial motor vehicle safety standards;
• be intended for use on public streets, roads, and highways; and
• have at least four functioning wheels and be highway capable (e.g., not a low-speed vehicle).

Note that electric motorcycles, scooters and off-road vehicles are not eligible for rebates.

Important: Transport Canada adjusts their list of qualifying EVs from time to time and reserves the right to take models off the list at any time. Any changes to the list from Transport Canada will be effective in New Brunswick immediately upon publication of the changes by Transport Canada.

How much are the rebates?

People who purchase or lease new qualifying battery electric vehicles and long-range plug-in hybrid electric vehicles can receive up to $5,000. People who purchase or lease new short-range plug-in hybrids can receive up to $2,500. Those who buy used battery electric vehicles can receive up to $2,500 and purchasers of used plug-in hybrid electric vehicles can receive up to $1,000.

People who receive a provincial rebate are also eligible for a rebate of up to $750 for the purchase and installation of a Level 2 home charger.

How long will it take to process the rebates?

Customers should submit their rebate application within 30 days of the EV purchase or lease. We expect rebates to be processed within 4 to 6 weeks after the application is received.

How does the New Brunswick EV rebate program work with other programs in Canada?

The Plug-In NB program can be combined with the Government of Canada iZEV program, resulting in up to $10,000 in combined rebates.

What if I bought an eligible EV before July 8, 2021? Can I still get my rebate?

No. The rebate program took effect on July 8, 2021. Only purchases or leases of eligible EVs on or after this date will qualify for rebates. You may be eligible for a rebate from the Government of Canada iZEV program.

Is it a first-come, first-serve rebate program?

Yes. If you are applying for a retroactive rebate, or if your dealer does not yet offer a point of sale rebate, it is important to apply within 30 days of your purchase.

If I have made a deposit already but have not made final payment, and have not yet received the EV, am I eligible?

If the final bill of sale for the EV is dated on or after July 8, 2021, the purchase is eligible regardless of when a deposit was made. For questions related to your bill of sale, please speak with your EV dealer.

I bought or leased an eligible EV on or after July 8, 2021 but didn’t get the rebate. What do I need to do to get my rebate payment, and how long will I have to wait?

As of July 8, 2021, eligible BEV and PHEV purchases or leases will qualify for an rebate. You can receive your rebate by completing an rebate claim form and submitting the supporting documents detailed in the claim instructions. Your claim will be reviewed to confirm eligibility. Assuming the application is complete, and the purchase was eligible, a cheque or direct deposit will be issued to you within 30 days of receiving your application.

Can I purchase or lease an EV outside of New Brunswick and still qualify for the rebate?

No, only EVs purchased or leased within New Brunswick from a licensed dealer are eligible.

I am an automobile dealer; how do I register to offer rebates at point-of-sale?

On August 16, 2021, dealerships can begin to register online to receive rebates through a direct deposit system.

Once you complete your online registration you will receive instructions detailing how to submit a claim to be reimbursed for rebates.

I am an EV dealership and have already registered with the program. How do I get reimbursed for point of sale rebates?

If you have already completed the registration form, you can submit a claim for reimbursement to the EV claims portal.

What if I do not have access to apply for the rebate online?

You can still apply by using a paper claim form available from your dealer. Please understand that by applying in this manner you should expect an additional processing time once your claim form has been received.

How much are the rebates for new EVs?

There are two levels of rebate for new EVs:

• $5,000 for New BEVs and New long-range PHEVs (=> 50km) passenger vehicles, where the base model trim MSRP is less than $55,000. Higher priced trims of these vehicles, up to a maximum of $65,000 will also be eligible for a rebate; and
• $2,500 for short-range PHEVs (<50km) trucks, vans, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), and station wagons vehicles where the base model trim is less than $60,000. Higher priced trims of these vehicles, up to maximum MSRP of $70,000 will also be eligible for a rebate.

What is a "long-range" versus a "short-range" PHEV?

Generally speaking, PHEVs with a battery capacity of at least 15 kWh can accommodate a trip of 50 kilometres or more on a single charge. For the purpose of the rebate program, these kinds of PHEVs are defined as long-range, and sales or leases of new long-range PHEVs qualify for the maximum rebate of $5,000.

Conversely, PHEVs with lower battery capacity are defined as short-range and are eligible for a $2,500 rebate for qualifying models.

What is a vehicle trim level?

A vehicle trim level is a pre-determined package of different equipment and finishes offered for a particular vehicle model (e.g., base, sport, touring, etc.). A vehicle model can have multiple trim levels. Different trim levels will typically have a different MSRP.

Do I qualify for the new EV rebate if I lease rather than buy?

Yes, the rebate can be applied to eligible vehicles leased for a minimum of one year but will be prorated based on the length of the lease. For example, a 48-month lease is eligible for the full rebate amount for the eligible vehicle in question and a 24-month lease will be eligible for half of the rebate for that vehicle.

Important: The Government of New Brunswick is requiring that lessors retain their vehicle for a minimum of 12 months, or they will have to repay a prorated portion of the rebate.

Will I have to repay the rebate if I sell my new EV in the first 12 months?

Yes, the minimum ownership period required to retain the full rebate is 12 months. Purchasers who sell their vehicle before that time will be required to refund a prorated portion of the rebate.

Are demonstrator vehicles eligible?

Yes, eligible BEVs and PHEVs that are demonstrators with less than 10,000 km are considered new vehicles and are eligible for a new EV rebate.

How does the New Brunswick rebate work with the federal iZEV rebate program?

The EV rebate will be applied to eligible new EVs in addition to any federal rebates offered under the iZEV program. So, an eligible new BEV or long-range PHEVs can receive $5,000 from the Province of New Brunswick in addition to $5,000 from the iZEV program, for a total of $10,000.

Is there a limit on how many vehicles I can purchase or lease and still receive an rebate?

Yes, there are different limits for different types of consumers.

Individuals can only receive one new vehicle rebate in a 12-month period.

Businesses, municipal governments, First Nations, and non-profits can receive up to 10 new vehicle rebates in a 12-month period.

If I already received an rebate for a used EV from New Brunswick, can I still receive an rebate if I also buy a new EV within 12 months?

Yes, individuals can get one new vehicle rebate and one used vehicle rebate in a 12-month period.

Will the Government of New Brunswick be offering tax rebates on EVs?

No; only EV purchase rebates are available.

What vehicles are eligible for the used EV rebate?

The used EV rebate will apply to any year, make or model of BEV or PHEV that meets the following criteria:

• must be purchased from a dealer licensed in New Brunswick (not a private sale);
• must not have had the New Brunswick used EV rebate previously applied, therefore only one used EV rebate is available per vehicle identification number (VIN);
• licensed dealerships will be required to share the VIN with the Program Administrator to allow for verification of whether the EV has previously had the used EV rebate applied;
• the retail price for a used BEV must be between $10,000 and $55,000, regardless of what its original MSRP was;
• the retail price for a used long-range or short-range PHEV must be between $10,000 and $40,000, regardless of what its original MSRP was;
• BEVs have been inspected to evaluate the residual capacity of their batteries with respect to their initial capacity and this information must be disclosed to customers in writing on the bills of sale prior to sales being finalized;
• the EV meets all federal and provincial motor vehicle safety standards;
• the EV is intended for use on public streets, roads, and highways;
• the EV has at least four functioning wheels and is highway capable (e.g., not a low-speed vehicle).

Do I qualify for a used EV rebate if I lease rather than buy?

No. Only purchases of used EVs are eligible for an rebate.

Can I purchase a used EV outside of New Brunswick and receive an rebate?

No, only used EVs purchased from a licensed New Brunswick vehicle dealer are eligible for an rebate.

If I buy a used EV through a private sale, can I get an rebate?

No, only used EVs purchased from a licensed New Brunswick vehicle dealer are eligible.

What is the maximum rebate that I can expect for a used EV?

There are two levels of rebate for used EVs:

• $2,500 for BEVs that retail for between $10,000 and $55,000, regardless of the original MSRP;
• $1,000 for PHEVs that retail for between $10,000 and $40,000, regardless of the original MSRP.

Note that all eligible used short-range and long-range PHEVs qualify for a $1,000 rebate.

How does the New Brunswick EV rebate program work with other EV rebate programs in Canada?

Used EVs from outside of New Brunswick that have previously had other rebates applied are eligible for the New Brunswick used EV rebate.

However, a used EV that has already had the New Brunswick used rebate applied will not be eligible for a second rebate. Only one used rebate will be issued per Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

If I already received an rebate for a new EV from New Brunswick, can I still receive an rebate if I also buy a used EV within 12 months of my new EV purchase?

Yes, individuals can get one new EV rebate and one used vehicle rebate in a 12-month period.

Businesses, municipal governments, First Nations, and non-profits can get up to 10 new vehicle rebates and 10 used EV rebates in a 12-month period.

How do I obtain the Level 2 charger rebate?

Individuals or organizations who participate in the new or used EV rebate program will be eligible to claim 50%, up to a maximum of $750, of the cost to purchase and install one level 2 electric vehicle charging station.

What level 2 chargers qualify for the rebate?

Level 2 chargers that have the ability to connect to wifi and capable of vehicle to grid integration are eligible for rebate. (NB Power needs to confirm this).  A list of qualifying L2 chargers can be found on this list/link…

The charger must be new, approved by an accredited certification body, and 240-volt Level 2 AC.

Can I install my own level 2 charger and receive the rebate?

Any hard-wired equipment must be installed by a licenced electrician. An invoice from both purchase and installation is required to claim your rebate. The name on the invoice must match the name on the EV registration.

Some Level 2 chargers plug directly into a 240 volt outlet. If you currently have a 240 volt, or have one installed, you can simply plug your charger into the outlet yourself. You would claim 50% of the total cost to have the 240 volt outlet installed plus the purchase price of your qualifying level 2 charger, up to a maximum rebate of $750.  

How many level 2 charging stations can I receive an rebate for?

Charging station rebates are limited to the number of EV rebates received by a purchaser in a 12-month period. 

Are businesses and non-profit organizations eligible for the level 2 charging station rebate?

Yes, provided they are registered in New Brunswick or have a business affiliate here. They are limited to the number of EVs purchased in a 12-month period.

Are municipal governments and First Nations eligible for the level 2 charging station rebate?

Yes, municipal governments and First Nations are eligible for rebates. They are limited to the number of EVs purchased in a 12-month period.

Are provincial government departments and crown corporations eligible for EV or level 2 charging station rebates?

No, however they are eligible for the federal iZEV rebate program.

Why is NB Power providing these rebates?

NB Power is delivering the electric vehicle rebate program on behalf of the government of New Brunswick. 100 percent of the cost of the program is paid by the Government of New Brunswick from the money collected from the price on carbon. NB Power has developed expertise in developing and delivering programs that help reduce our carbon footprint through energy efficiency program and incentives. The electric vehicle rebate program is like other programs offered by NB Power, therefore government asked them to deliver this program on their behalf.