The government of British Columbia (BC) will exclude Tesla products from its EV charger rebate program as tensions escalate in the US-Canada trade dispute, a move that has drawn criticism over potential inconsistencies in its application.
The provincial program, which covers up to 50% of the cost of a Level 2 EV charger and includes incentives for backup power solutions, has until now included Tesla chargers, inverters, and the Powerwall home battery. However, Tesla products will no longer be eligible for rebates, with the government stating that the change aims to prioritize Canadian-made goods over US-manufactured products.
See also: Tesla Sales Drop in Canada Amid EV Incentive Cuts and Price Hikes
Consumers who purchased or received pre-approval for Tesla products before March 12 will still qualify for the rebate, but all future Tesla-related applications will be denied.
The decision has sparked debate, as an estimated 95% of companies still eligible for the rebate remain US-based, raising questions about why Tesla is the only US manufacturer affected. The full list of eligible products is available online.
See also: Tesla Raises Prices for Model X in Canada and the U.S., Excludes Tax Credit Eligibility in the U.S.
The move comes as Tesla faces declining sales and stock prices, with shares dropping around 45% in 2025 amid protests against CEO Elon Musk’s role in the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Meanwhile, President Donald Trump recently showcased support for Tesla by announcing he was purchasing one outside the White House.
BC’s exclusion of Tesla follows growing trade tensions between the US and Canada, driven by US tariffs on Canadian imports. However, critics argue the selective nature of the ban raises concerns about fairness and transparency in the rebate program.
Source: bchydro.com