B.C. Hydro Cuts Tesla from EV Charger Rebates in Response to U.S. Tariffs

Tesla owners in British Columbia will no longer receive government rebates for home charging equipment, as B.C. Hydro excludes the brand from its EV charger rebate program in response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods.

The program previously offered up to $350 in rebates for purchasing and installing EV chargers. However, Tesla chargers, batteries, and inverters are no longer eligible as of March 12.

B.C. Hydro Prioritizing Canadian-Made Goods

In a statement, B.C. Hydro confirmed the decision was part of the province’s broader effort to retaliate against U.S. tariffs by excluding American-made products from government incentives.

“Where possible, we are prioritizing Canadian-made goods in our rebate programs,” said a B.C. Hydro spokesperson.

For British Columbians who purchased or received pre-approval for Tesla products before March 12, rebates will still be honored. However, new purchases will no longer qualify.

The provincial rebate program also provides up to $4,000 in incentives for eligible EV buyers, and it remains unclear whether Tesla vehicles themselves will face restrictions.

Tesla in the Political Spotlight

Tesla, one of the most popular EV brands in Canada, has become a target of political rhetoric amid the escalating U.S.-Canada trade war.

Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has called for even harsher measures, proposing a 100% trade tax on all Tesla products if his party forms government after the next election.

Tesla has not yet responded to the new rebate exclusion.

More American Products Could Be Cut from Rebates

It remains unclear if B.C. Hydro will extend the exclusion to other American-made EV products, including charging stations and vehicle incentives.

B.C. Hydro has yet to respond to CBC News inquiries regarding whether further Tesla or U.S.-made products will be removed from its rebate programs.

Growing Calls to “Buy Canadian” Amid Trade War

The exclusion of Tesla products comes amid a surge in Canadian protectionism as Premier David Eby and other leaders push back against Trump’s tariffs.

With American-made alcohol already pulled from B.C. Liquor Stores and provincial contracts shifting away from U.S. suppliers, the move against Tesla signals that Canadian policymakers are taking further steps to limit U.S. imports—at least as long as the trade war continues.