Skip to main content

Skip to navigation

The access keys for this page are:

LiveSmart BC

Transportation Rebates and Incentives

Frequently Asked Questions

You will notice that there are two sets of "Charging Station" FAQs: one related to Multi-Unit Residential Buildings (MURBs), and the other related to Residential.

 

Multi-Unit Residential Building Rebates

General Eligibility

What is a MURB? 

“MURB” means a building located on a single lot or strata plan that includes at least 4 residential units (other than secondary suites), or at the discretion of LiveSmart BC, a building or buildings that serve a similar purpose to an apartment or condominium, or a triplex under a strata plan.

Who can apply? 

MURB developers and/or property owners who satisfy the terms and conditions and program requirements as listed in the application form are eligible for the incentive.

I am a developer, who is installing residential charging stations in a new multi-unit residential building.  Can I apply to the Program? 

Yes. This incentive program is available to developers and to MURB Property Owners.

I am a BC resident, I live in a multi-unit residential building, and I have purchased an electric vehicle.  I would like to install a charging station in my designated parking stall in my condo.  Am I eligible to apply for this incentive program? 

No.  This incentive is available to only MURB Developers/Property owners and not to individuals residing at the MURB residence. Please contact the MURB Property Owner at your place of residence.

I represent a society or co-operative, can we apply to the Program? 

Yes.  The incentive program is open to societies, co-operatives and similar ownership structures.

I live in a low-rise townhouse strata.  Can my strata council apply for the incentive? 

Yes.  Low-rise townhouse stratas, row houses and multi-building properties that fit the ownership criteria would generally be eligible for the incentive.

Back to the top of the page

Application process

How do I apply for a MURB electric vehicle charging station incentive? 

Application forms can be found here and lists the terms and conditions, and submission instructions.

What is the application deadline? 

The Application form must be received by LiveSmart BC on or before February 22, 2013.

Can I apply after February 22nd, 2013? 

Depending on the level of program subscription as of February 22, 2013, additional applications may be accepted and/or additional EV charging stations per MURB may be made available.

How will the application be reviewed? 

An evaluation committee (made of up representatives from the Provincial Government) will evaluate the applications. The Evaluation Committee may prioritise applications based on the program requirements, application information and/or other factors based on its sole discretion.

When will the applicant be notified? 

Applicants will be notified within one week of the receipt of an application form.

What needs to be submitted in order to receive the incentive? 

In order to receive the incentive, the applicant must submit all invoices for eligible costs and the required Report by March 31st, 2013.  An Addendum to the Report demonstrating proof of installation must be submitted by August 15, 2013.  Failure to submit a complete Addendum demonstrating proof of installation to the satisfaction of the Province will result in the applicant being required to return the full amount of the incentive to the Province.

My application was approved and I have incurred costs and I have submitted my report to LiveSmart BC along with invoices for all eligible costs.    How soon will I receive the incentive cheque? 

If you have correctly submitted your Report, along with the required supporting documents, you should receive a cheque within 8-10 weeks unless your application requires further verification.  If you have not yet received a cheque after 10 weeks, please contact 250-356-2230, who will investigate the status for you.

What needs to be provided as part of the Report? 

The Report will include general administrative information and details on the actual number of charging stations purchased and make/model, cost for purchase, installation and other items, the number of charging stations installed to date, dates of installation, the location of the charging stations (including geographic coordinates), photos of installations, Electric Utility Provider account number(s), lessons learnt and related recommendations,  input to EVSE installation design and deployment guidelines, sample strata bylaw language and policies to support EVSEs (if applicable), answers to non-mandatory survey questions (some information will be expected to be filled in with the Addendum to the Report to be submitted by the installation deadline) and the like.  The Report must be submitted to the Ministry on or before March 31, 2013 in the electronic or other form provided by the Ministry.

What needs to be provided as part of the Addendum to the Report? 

The Addendum to the Report will update the Report to demonstrate proof of installation.  Detailed location information, photos and dates of charging station installation as well as other relevant information required in the Report.   The Addendum to the Report must be submitted to the Ministry on or before August 15, 2013 in the electronic or other form provided by the Ministry.

Back to the top of the page

Incentive Amounts, Installation Requirements & Eligible Costs

What are the incentives available under the LiveSmart BC MURB EV Charging Station Incentive Program? 

Eighty percent (80%) of eligible costs (for procurement and installation) up to $4,500 max per charging station. Note that these costs must be incurred between February 8th, 2013 and March 31st, 2013; eligible procurement and installation costs will be considered when calculating the incentive amount to be provided. Any costs that are incurred after March 31st, 2013 will not be covered by the incentive.  Stations must be installed, by August 15th, 2013.

What is the maximum number of charging station incentives I can apply for at my building? 

Number of incentives will not exceed:
• 20% of total parking stalls at the MURB; and
• A maximum of 6 EV charging stations per MURB
Note: additional charging station incentives may be made available after February 22nd depending on overall program subscription rates.

What charging stations are eligible for the incentive? 

Depending on the desired types of features and level of sophistication, MURB Property Owner can choose from either a list of basic residential charging stations, or a list of commercial grade stations with additional features, such as networking, and communications capabilities: 
• List of Eligible Commercial Charging Stations
• List of Eligible Residential Charging Stations.

Does the incentive cover the cost of installation? 

The answer to this question depends on when the installation costs are incurred.  The incentive covers eligible installation costs as long as the installation costs are incurred by March 31st, 2013 (for details on the eligible installation costs, see the question related to the eligible costs.

What will it cost to purchase and install an electric vehicle charging station at a MURB? 

Depending on whether the charging station is a basic residential unit or a more commercial grade charging station with additional functionality, the cost per charging station can range from $1,000-$4,000. The installation costs per charging station can vary from but typically range from $3,000-$5,000. Note that the average installation costs usually decrease when more charging stations are installed at a site and that costs also vary between MURBS depending on retrofit work that needs to be completed.

Do I need to install a new meter? 

Yes, one dedicated meter must be installed to service all of the electric vehicle charging stations in a MURB (not one meter per station).  Please check with your utility provider for any specific requirements around metering / installation.

I purchased an eligible charging station prior to February 8th, 2013.  Am I eligible for the MURB electric vehicle charging station incentive? 

No.  The Program is designed to incentivise British Columbians to make a purchase that they would not have otherwise made in the absence of the incentive.  Purchase prior February 8th, does not meet this criteria.

I am interested in purchasing a Level 2 charging station that does not appear on the list.  Are there procedures in place for adding additional equipment? 

Yes.  The list of eligible EV charging stations for this Program is updated on a regular basis.  Please have your vendor fill in and submit the vendor application form found here. The vendor application will be reviewed, and if the EV charging station meets the mandatory requirements for eligibility, the EV charging station will be added to the list. Only once the charging station is on the list is it considered an eligible EV charging station.

I am a vendor who has a Level 2 charging station that does not appear on the list.  What do I need to do to have it added to the list of eligible equipment? 

If you have a product that you believe may be eligible under the program and is not currently included on the list, please fill in this form and return it to the address on the form.  Your application will be reviewed and, if eligible, your product will be added to the list. Only once the charging station is on the list is it considered an eligible EV charging station.

I would like to install a Level 1 (110V) Electric Vehicle Charging Station.  Is it eligible? 

No.  This incentive is intended to encourage the adoption of EVs by addressing the market barrier associated with the incremental cost of MURB chargers with shorter charging times.  As such, it is limited to Level 2 (240 volt) EV charging stations.

What are the eligible costs used to determine the amount of the incentive? 

Examples of eligible costs related to the purchase and installation of electric vehicle charging stations under this program include:  construction costs and material purchases required for charging station installation; electric vehicle charging equipment; installation of a new meter by the electric utility provider; trades (e.g., electrician); electrical or other permits; signage, and detailed electrical or engineering design.

What are the ineligible costs? 

Examples of ineligible costs include (but are not limited to):  costs already covered due to compliance with the City of Vancouver (CoV) By-law no. 9936; policy development; general research studies; HST; property taxes; repairs to existing systems; purchase of land;  and hospitality (food and beverages).

The applicant is responsible to pay the balance of all remaining costs of the purchase and installation of the station and any other costs, including those related to care and maintenance of the station that is not covered by the incentive program.

Back to the top of the page

General / Miscellaneous

Is there work being done to address any barriers to installation that may be a result of existing strata policies? 

Yes, the province is looking into this topic and will be furthering this by working with the Condominium Home Owners Association (CHOA) and Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA).

What are the guidelines for the signage? 

Signage is not a mandatory requirement under this program.  However, should the MURB/Property Owner decide to install EV signage, this can be considered an eligible cost (if the costs are incurred prior to March 31st, 2013, and the signage conforms to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure EV Signage manual).

What is a level 2 charging station? 

A level 2 charging station uses a dedicated 240 volt AC circuit and typically fully recharges the battery of a 100% electric vehicle in 6-8 hours or the battery of a plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle in 3-4 hours.

Back to the top of the page

 

Residential Electric Vehicle Charging Station Rebates

What products are eligible for the rebate?

The list of EV charging stations eligible for the rebate can be found here. 
EV charging stations must meet the following criteria to be eligible:

  • Eligible EV charging stations limited to RESIDENTIAL applications. (Commercial EV charging stations are not eligible.)
  • Residential EV charging stations must be CSA or UL certified.
  • Residential EV charging stations must be SAE 1772 certified.
  • Residential EV charging stations must have nominal voltage rating of 240 V (Level 2 EVCS).
  • Residential EV charging stations must be available for purchase in Canada.
Who is eligible for the rebate?

BC resident owners of battery electric or plug in hybrid electric vehicles that are on the list of vehicles eligible under the Clean Energy Vehicle Program (found here) who purchase a residential electric vehicle charging station for installation at their primary place of residence can apply for the rebate.

I’ve received LiveSmart incentives for energy improvements in my home and for my electric vehicle.  Am I still eligible?

Yes

I am a developer, who is installing residential charging points in a new residential multi unit residential building.  Can I apply for the rebate(s)?

No.  One of the eligibility requirements for this program is the purchase of a electric, plug in hybrid electric or extended range electric vehicle. This residential rebate program is not available to developers. Details for a complimentary large-scale electric vehicle charging point demonstration project will be available by early 2012.  Developers may wish to check back for any additional opportunities at that time. 

How do I apply for a residential electric vehicle charging station rebate?

Application forms can be found here.  Send in the Application form, along with an itemised receipt for the changing station and a copy of your electric, plug in hybrid electric, or extended range electric vehicle registration and/or lease agreement to the address on the Application form. 

Does the rebate cover the cost of installation?

No. The rebate is only for the purchase of the EV charging station.

I have a Level 1 Electric Vehicle Charging Station.  Is it eligible?

No.  This rebate is intended to encourage the adoption of EVs by addressing the market barrier associated with the incremental cost of residential chargers with shorter charging times.  As such, it is limited to Level 2 residential EV charging stations.

I’ve completed the application form and sent it to LiveSmart.  How soon will my rebate arrive?

If you have correctly submitted your application, along with the required supporting documents, you should receive a cheque within 10-12 weeks unless your application requires further verification.  If you have not yet received a cheque after 12 weeks, please contact our call centre at 1-866-430-8765, who will investigate the status with the rebate processing facility for you.

I purchased an eligible unit prior to December 1st, 2011.  Am I eligible for the electric vehicle charging station rebate?

No.  The Program is designed to incentivise British Columbians to make a purchase that they would not have otherwise made in the absence of the rebate.   Purchase, prior to the announcement of rebates, does not meet this criteria.

I am interested in purchasing a Level 2 charging station that does not appear on the list.  Are there procedures in place for adding additional equipment?

Yes.  The list of eligible EV charging stations for this Program will be updated on a regular basis.  Have your vendor fill in and submit the vendor application form found here.  The vendor application will be reviewed, and if the EV charging station meets the mandatory requirements for eligibility, the EV charging station will be added to the list. 

I am a vendor who has a Level 2 charging station that does not appear on the list.  What do I need to do to have it added to the list of eligible equipment?

If you have a product that you believe may be eligible under the program and is not currently included on the list, please fill in this form and return it to the address on the form.  Your application will be reviewed and, if eligible, your product will be added to the list.

I am a BC resident, and I live in a multi unit residential building, and have purchased an electric vehicle.  I would like to install a charging point in my designated parking stall in my condo.  Am I eligible for the rebate? 

Yes.  BC residents are eligible to receive rebates under the program.  You may wish to speak with your strata council to work through the logistics involved with the installation of the unit.

Back to the top of the page

 

The Clean Energy Vehicle (CEV) Program

Please refer to the CEV for BC website's FAQ page at http://www.cevforbc.ca/faq.

 

The Scrap-It Program

Please refer to the Scrap-It Program website at http://www.scrapit.ca.