Federal government pledges more than $400 million to promote zero-emission vehicles

Budget 2019 is investing more than $435 million CAD to “make it easier and more affordable for Canadians to choose zero-emission vehicles.”

Of the more than $435 million, the budget titled “Investing in the Middle Class” says the government will invest $130 million over five years starting in 2019-20. This will help expand the network of zero-emission vehicle charging and refuelling stations and deploy these stations in workplaces, public parking spots, commercial and multi-unit residential buildings and remote locations.

The budget was tabled on March 19th with an emphasis on affordable housing, skills and training, pharmacare, seniors and expanding access to high-speed internet.

Part of that investment will allocate $5 million over five years starting in 2019-2020 to Transport Canada to work with auto manufacturers to “secure voluntary zero-emission sales targets to ensure that vehicle supply meets increased demand.”

The investment will also include a way to encourage more Canadians to buy zero-emission vehicles by providing $300 million over three years starting in 2019-2020 to Transport Canada to “introduce a new federal purchase incentive of up to $5,000” for electric batteries or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of less than $45,000.

The new budget has made a slight change to the Strategic Innovation Fund by now allowing automotive manufacturers and parts suppliers have access to the fund.

$800 million more was added to the fund through the 2018 Fall Economic Statement.