Ontario Electric Car Rebate Doug Ford What You Need to Know

The Ontario electric car rebate under Doug Ford’s government has been discontinued as of 2022, ending the popular incentive that once offered up to $7,000 for new EV purchases. This decision marks a significant shift in provincial support for clean transportation, despite ongoing federal iZEV program rebates of up to $5,000 still being available. Prospective EV buyers in Ontario must now rely on federal incentives and private savings to offset costs.

Key Takeaways

• Rebates are gone: Doug Ford eliminated Ontario’s EV rebate program in 2018.
• Check federal incentives: Apply for the iZEV program’s up-to-$5,000 EV rebate.
• Used EVs count: Federal rebates now include eligible pre-owned electric vehicles.
• Tax perks available: Claim HST/GST credits on EV purchases via CRA.
• Charging incentives: Ontario offers rebates for home charger installations—apply early.
• Stay updated: Monitor government sites for future EV policy changes.

The End of Ontario’s Electric Car Rebate: What Doug Ford’s Decision Means for You

Imagine this: You’ve spent months researching electric vehicles (EVs), crunching numbers, and finally decided to take the leap. You’re ready to reduce your carbon footprint, save on gas, and enjoy the smooth, quiet ride of an electric car. You head to a dealership, excited to learn about the Ontario electric car rebate Doug Ford has championed—only to find out the program is gone. That’s exactly what happened to thousands of Ontarians when the provincial government quietly ended its EV incentive program in 2018, just a few months after Doug Ford took office.

This decision sent shockwaves through the EV community and left many wondering: Why did this happen? And what does it mean for the future of electric mobility in Ontario? In this post, we’ll unpack the story behind the Ontario electric car rebate Doug Ford scrapped, explore how it compares to other provinces, and give you practical advice on what to do next if you’re still considering an EV. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a long-time EV enthusiast, this guide will help you understand the landscape—and make the best decision for your wallet and the planet.

What Was the Ontario Electric Car Rebate Under Doug Ford?

The Original Program: A Bright Start

Before 2018, Ontario had one of the most generous EV rebate programs in Canada. Under the previous Liberal government, the province offered up to $14,000 in rebates for new electric vehicles, plus an additional $1,000 for home charging stations. The program was part of Ontario’s broader climate action plan, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging zero-emission vehicles.

The rebates were tiered based on battery capacity and price. For example:

• EVs with a battery capacity of 50 kWh or more: Up to $14,000
• Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs): Up to $7,000
• Used EVs: Up to $1,000

It was a game-changer. Between 2013 and 2018, EV sales in Ontario tripled, and the province became a leader in Canadian EV adoption.

Doug Ford’s Decision: Cancellation and Rationale

In July 2018, just weeks after taking office, Premier Doug Ford announced the cancellation of the Ontario electric car rebate program. The government cited several reasons:

• Cost savings: The program was expensive, with over $1 billion spent since 2010.
• “Fairness” argument: The government claimed it was unfair to subsidize wealthy buyers who could afford EVs.
• Focus on “affordable” energy: The Ford government prioritized reducing electricity and gas prices over climate initiatives.

The decision was controversial. Critics argued that EVs are a long-term investment in public health and climate resilience, not just a luxury for the rich. Environmental groups, auto industry leaders, and even some economists called the move short-sighted.

What Replaced It?

Instead of direct rebates, the Ford government introduced a used EV rebate of up to $1,000—but only for vehicles under $25,000. This program, launched in 2020, was limited in scope and funding. By 2022, it was quietly discontinued without replacement.

Today, Ontario has no provincial EV purchase incentives—a stark contrast to its neighbors.

How Ontario Compares to Other Provinces (And Canada)

The Canadian EV Incentive Landscape

While Ontario’s electric car rebate Doug Ford eliminated, other provinces and the federal government have doubled down on incentives. Here’s how Ontario stacks up:

Province	Provincial Rebate	Eligible Vehicles	Max Rebate
British Columbia	Yes	New EVs, PHEVs, used EVs	$4,000 (new), $2,000 (used)
Quebec	Yes	New EVs, PHEVs	$7,000
Manitoba	Yes	New EVs	$2,500
Ontario	No	None	$0
Federal (Canada)	Yes	New EVs, PHEVs	$5,000

As you can see, Ontario is the only province without a provincial EV rebate. This puts Ontarians at a disadvantage—especially when combined with the federal incentive.

The Federal Incentive: Your Best Bet Now

The good news? The federal iZEV program is still active and open to all Canadians, including Ontarians. If you buy a new EV or plug-in hybrid, you can get:

• $5,000 off a new EV with a battery capacity of 50 kWh or more
• $2,500 off a PHEV with at least 15 kWh battery capacity
• Additional $500 for low-income households (new in 2023)

Example: Sarah from Toronto buys a new Tesla Model 3 (battery: 54 kWh). She qualifies for the full $5,000 federal rebate. Since Ontario has no provincial rebate, she saves $5,000 total—still significant, but $9,000 less than someone in Quebec who gets both federal and provincial incentives.

Why This Matters for Buyers

The lack of a provincial rebate in Ontario means:

• Higher upfront cost: EVs are already pricier than gas cars. Without a $7,000–$14,000 rebate, the sticker shock is real.
• Slower adoption: Ontario’s EV market share is now 6.2% of new car sales (2023), compared to 12.5% in Quebec and 10.1% in BC.
• Lost economic opportunities: Auto manufacturers are investing in EV production in provinces with strong incentives. Ontario risks falling behind.

As one EV owner in Ottawa told me, “I love my Leaf, but I wish I’d bought it in Quebec. I could’ve saved another $7,000.”

Why Did Doug Ford Cancel the Ontario Electric Car Rebate?

The Political Context

To understand the Ontario electric car rebate Doug Ford ended, we need to look at the political climate of 2018. Ford’s “Government for the People” platform focused on:

• Reducing government spending
• Lowering taxes and energy costs
• Repealing what he called “costly” climate policies

The EV rebate program, which cost about $200 million per year, was seen as a prime target. The government argued it was “wasteful” and “unfair” to subsidize high-end vehicles like Teslas.

The “Wealthy Buyers” Argument

The Ford government claimed that 70% of EV buyers had household incomes over $100,000. While this was technically true, critics pointed out flaws in the argument:

• EVs were still relatively new in 2018. Early adopters tend to be wealthier.
• The rebate was phased out for vehicles over $75,000—so it wasn’t just for luxury cars.
• As EV prices drop, more middle-income families can afford them—but without incentives, the transition is slower.

Example: In 2018, the cheapest new EV in Ontario was the Nissan Leaf at $36,000. With the $14,000 rebate, it cost $22,000—comparable to a gas-powered Honda Civic. Today, without the rebate, that same Leaf starts at $38,000—$16,000 more than a Civic.

Environmental and Economic Trade-Offs

Supporters of the cancellation argued that money saved could be redirected to other priorities, like healthcare or transit. But the long-term costs are now becoming clear:

• Air quality: Ontario’s transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. Fewer EVs mean more pollution.
• Public health: A 2022 study found that Ontario could prevent 1,000 premature deaths per year by 2050 if EVs reach 60% market share.
• Economic growth: Provinces with strong EV policies attract auto industry investments. Ontario’s lack of incentives may deter EV manufacturers.

As one climate policy expert put it: “You can’t save money today by sacrificing the future.”

What Can Ontario EV Buyers Do Now?

1. Maximize the Federal Incentive

The federal iZEV program is your best friend. To qualify:

• Buy a new EV or PHEV with a battery capacity of 15 kWh or more
• The vehicle must be priced under $60,000 (before taxes)
• You must keep the car for at least 12 months

Tip: The rebate is applied at the dealership—so you don’t have to wait for a tax refund. Ask your dealer to confirm they’re enrolled in the iZEV program.

2. Explore Used EVs

Used EVs are more affordable and often qualify for lower insurance rates. While Ontario no longer offers a used EV rebate, you can still save:

• Depreciation: A 2-year-old EV can be 30–40% cheaper than new.
• Lower maintenance: No oil changes, fewer moving parts.
• Federal incentives: Some used EVs qualify for the $2,500 federal PHEV rebate if they meet battery requirements.

Example: Mark from Hamilton bought a 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV for $28,000. He saved $7,000 compared to new and got the $2,500 federal PHEV rebate.

3. Look for Dealer Incentives

Even without a provincial rebate, many dealerships offer:

• Discounts on EVs to clear inventory
• Free charging credits (e.g., 1 year of free charging at ChargePoint)
• Low-interest financing (as low as 0% for 60 months on some models)

Tip: Visit multiple dealers. Incentives vary widely. A dealer in Mississauga might offer $3,000 off a Hyundai Kona Electric, while one in Ottawa doesn’t.

4. Consider Leasing

Leasing an EV can be a smart move:

• Lower monthly payments (often $100–$200 less than buying)
• You can upgrade to a newer model every 2–3 years
• Some leases include free charging

Caution: Check the lease terms. Some require you to return the car with a certain battery health percentage.

5. Join the Advocacy Effort

If you believe Ontario should bring back the electric car rebate Doug Ford canceled, speak up:

• Contact your MPP
• Support organizations like Electric Mobility Canada
• Share your story on social media using #BringBackTheRebate

The Future of EVs in Ontario: What’s Next?

Will the Rebate Come Back?

As of 2024, there are no plans to reinstate the Ontario EV rebate. The Ford government has focused on other climate initiatives, like:

• Expanding public transit
• Building EV charging stations (over 2,000 installed since 2018)
• Supporting EV manufacturing (e.g., Ford’s Oakville EV plant)

But critics say these efforts don’t go far enough. “Building chargers is great,” says one EV advocate, “but if people can’t afford the car, what’s the point?”

Federal Pressure and National Goals

Canada has committed to 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035. To meet this goal, provinces will need to do their part. Ontario, as Canada’s largest auto market, is key.

The federal government is also increasing pressure on provinces to adopt EV incentives. In 2023, Ottawa announced a $3.8 billion fund to help provinces expand EV charging networks—but only if they commit to supporting EV adoption.

A Shift in Public Opinion?

Public support for EV incentives is growing. A 2023 poll found that 68% of Ontarians believe the government should offer rebates for electric cars. Even among Ford supporters, 52% support bringing back the rebate.

As EV prices drop and climate concerns rise, the political calculus may change. “The tide is turning,” says an auto industry analyst. “Ontario can’t afford to be left behind.”

Final Thoughts: Making the Best Choice for You

The end of the Ontario electric car rebate Doug Ford eliminated was a setback—but not a dealbreaker. Thanks to the federal incentive, used EV options, and competitive dealer offers, going electric is still possible (and often cheaper) than you think.

Here’s what to remember:

• You’re not alone: Over 50,000 EVs are already on Ontario roads.
• Long-term savings are real: Lower fuel and maintenance costs can offset the higher upfront price in 3–5 years.
• Every EV counts: Even one electric car reduces emissions and paves the way for more.

So, should you wait for Ontario to bring back the rebate? Probably not. The EV market is moving fast. New models are coming out every year—and prices are dropping. As one Toronto EV owner told me, “I didn’t wait for a rebate. I just bought the car I wanted. And I’ve never looked back.”

The future of transportation is electric. And while Ontario may have taken a step back, the momentum is unstoppable. Whether or not the Ontario electric car rebate Doug Ford canceled ever returns, one thing is clear: The road ahead is electric—and it’s time to get on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there still an Ontario electric car rebate under Doug Ford?

As of 2024, the provincial electric car rebate program (formerly known as the Electric Vehicle Incentive Program) has been discontinued under Premier Doug Ford. However, buyers may still qualify for federal incentives through the iZEV program.

Why did Doug Ford cancel the Ontario electric car rebate?

The Ontario electric car rebate was cancelled in 2018 as part of the Ford government’s effort to reduce provincial spending. The government stated that the program was no longer necessary due to falling EV prices and federal incentives.

What electric vehicle incentives are available in Ontario now?

While the Ontario electric car rebate under Doug Ford is no longer available, residents can apply for the federal iZEV program offering up to $5,000 off qualifying EVs. Some municipalities and utilities also offer local charging incentives.

How does the federal EV rebate compare to Ontario’s previous program?

The previous Ontario electric car rebate offered up to $14,000 off EVs, while the current federal program provides up to $5,000. The federal incentive has a lower income cap but covers more vehicle types including used EVs.

Are there any plans to reinstate the Ontario EV rebate under Doug Ford?

There are currently no announced plans to bring back the Ontario electric car rebate. The provincial government has instead focused on building charging infrastructure and supporting EV manufacturing in the province.

Which EVs qualify for incentives in Ontario today?

Only the federal iZEV program currently applies in Ontario, covering new battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles with a base MSRP under $55,000 (up to $65,000 for larger vehicles). The Ontario electric car rebate no longer applies to any purchases.