What to know when purchasing an EV 

If you’re considering making an EV your next purchase, you’re going to want to read on to learn how you can save money! In Nova Scotia, residents may be eligible for a provincial rebate when they buy or lease qualifying models of new, or used, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) from provincial dealerships. If that’s not enough to get your engine running, this rebate can be combined with federal rebates offered under the iZEV program. You could potentially save anywhere from $1,000 to $8,000 of the cost of your EV purchase during your point-of-sale transaction.  

Prospective owners have plenty of models to choose from. Find out more about which models qualify for Electrify and federal rebates here.  

Eligibility requirements for purchasing an e-bikes  

Two wheels more your style? E-bikes retailing for $1,200 or over may be eligible for a $500 rebate. Here are a few highlights on how to qualify for an Electrify rebate for an e-bike: 

• Purchase must be made at a retailer with a physical storefront in Nova Scotia.  
• Orders completed online directly from a manufacturer or third-party retailer will not qualify. 
• Ask your retailer of choice about their rebate process-some e-bike retailers don’t offer an instant rebate option up front, and you will have to apply for your Electrify rebate within 30 days of purchase using this form. https://tc.canada.ca/en/road-transportation/innovative-technologies/zero-emission-vehicles/list-eligible-vehicles-under-izev-programhttps://evassist.ca/claimrebate/ 

The exact rebate amount you are eligible for depends on certain factors–you can learn more about them here. 

Businesses and organizations can benefit too 

Did you know Nova Scotia businesses can also qualify for electric vehicle and e-bike rebates? Municipal governments, First Nations and businesses and non-profits registered in Nova Scotia can also apply. Every calendar year, they are eligible to receive rebates for a maximum of 10 new and 10 used vehicles and 10 e-bikes. 

Rebates are provided on a first come, first-serve basis. To better understand Electrify’s rebate eligibility requirements and to learn if your vehicle qualifies visit www.electrifyns.ca today!  

BEV – Battery Electric Vehicle 

BEVs are the modern electric cars we see on the road today—fully electric, with no gasoline or internal combustion engine. Instead, they run off a high-voltage battery located at the bottom of the vehicle. A modern BEV can travel an average of 400 kms on a single charge, with some models reaching up to 600 kms. They benefit from a smoother driving experience, fractional fuel costs and significantly lowered maintenance. 

BEVs are ideal for most commutes and can even be used for road-trips (as demonstrated by A for Adventure).  

PHEV – Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle 

PHEVs share many of the same benefits as BEVs but also retain a gas engine that can help them go longer distances. They have an average electric range of 40 kms but contain standard-size gas tanks. One difference with PHEVs is that they often require similar maintenance as a normal combustion engine vehicle. When a PHEV has gone over the vehicle’s electric range, they will continue operating using their gas-powered engine.   

PHEVs are ideal for someone who mainly drives short commutes. They can also be a good choice for someone without sufficient access to public charging but who can plug into a standard electrical outlet at home. 

HEV – Hybrid Electric Vehicle 

HEVs have a gasoline engine and small battery which work together to improve efficiency. While not as efficient as PHEVs (and nowhere close to BEVs), they get better fuel mileage than their full-gas counterparts. PHEV batteries typically have a higher capacity than HEV batteries, a HEV will run roughly three to five kilometers before their gas engines turn on. 

There are no government rebates available for HEVs, but there are for BEVs and PHEVs. For information on available rebates visit electrifyns.ca.  

Now that you’re caught up on the EV options that exist. Why not explore some models at EVAssist.ca, or better yet, take a test drive with us by visiting Nextridens.com.