For immediate release
April 30, 2024
VICTORIA, B.C. – Today, the B.C. Green Caucus introduced the Clean Energy Amendment Act, 2024 that would allow for vehicles converted to electric from gasoline or diesel to qualify for the same government rebates as brand-new electric vehicles.
“This bill is about fairness, sustainability, innovation, and supporting our local economies,” said Sonia Furstenau, Leader of the BC Greens and MLA for Cowichan Valley. “It levels the playing field, allowing small businesses like Edison Motors, which retrofits trucks for heavy haul and vocational use, to compete with large international companies. It also makes EVs more accessible to those with limited financial resources; most people in British Columbia can’t afford a brand-new EV, so this gives them a chance to turn the car or truck they already love into an electric one.”
The proposed amendment to Part 5 of the Clean Energy Act is intended to extend financial incentives to EV retrofits. This change supports British Columbia’s wider energy goals by helping to lower greenhouse gas emissions and making energy costs more affordable.
“This legislative change may seem small, but it could be transformative. It will help simplify going electric for British Columbians and small businesses, without breaking the bank, and could create a new niche industry in B.C.” said Furstenau.
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Media contact
JoJo Beattie
Press Secretary
B.C. Green Caucus
+1 250-882-6187 | jojo.beattie@leg.bc.ca