The Government of Canada's Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) Program, which has been instrumental in promoting the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across the country, has officially paused as of January 12, 2025. This pause comes ahead of the initially scheduled end date of March 31, 2025, due to the program's allocated funds being fully committed. Transport Canada
Reason for the Pause
The iZEV Program's early suspension is attributed to its overwhelming success and the resultant rapid depletion of funds. Since its inception in 2019, the program has facilitated the purchase or lease of over 546,000 zero-emission vehicles, significantly contributing to the rise in ZEV market share from 3.1% in 2019 to 11.7% in 2023. Canada
Duration of the Pause
Currently, there is no specified duration for the program's pause. Transport Canada has indicated that any updates regarding the program will be communicated through their official website. Transport Canada
Impact on Other Programs
It's important to note that the pause of the iZEV Program does not affect the Incentives for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicles (iMHZEV) Program, which remains active and is scheduled to continue until March 31, 2026, subject to funding availability. Additionally, provincial and territorial incentive programs are not impacted by this federal pause and may continue to offer rebates independently. Transport Canada
Understanding the iMHZEV Program
The iMHZEV Program provides incentives for Canadian businesses and organizations to purchase or lease medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles. This initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector by encouraging the adoption of cleaner vehicle technologies. Canada
Implications for Pending EV Orders
For individuals who ordered an eligible vehicle before the program's pause, eligibility for the incentive depends on the actions taken by their dealership or authorized seller:
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Pre-Approved Applications: If the dealership submitted an eligibility assessment application that was pre-approved by Transport Canada prior to the pause, the purchaser will receive the incentive upon vehicle delivery.
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Pending or Unsubmitted Applications: If the dealership did not submit the eligibility assessment before the program paused, or if the application was not pre-approved, the purchaser will not be eligible for the incentive.
It's advisable for consumers to contact their dealership directly to confirm the status of their application. Transport Canada
For more detailed information and answers to specific questions, please refer to Transport Canada's official Questions and Answers page.
The pause of the iZEV Program marks a significant milestone in Canada's journey toward widespread EV adoption. While the program's future remains uncertain, the continued support through initiatives like the iMHZEV Program and various provincial incentives underscores the government's commitment to promoting zero-emission transportation across the nation.
For a visual discussion on the recent developments regarding Canadian EV rebates, you may find the following video informative: