Canada's New EV Rebate Program: Everything You Need to Know

This week on True North EV, host James dives deep into Canada's brand new Electric Vehicle Affordability Program (EVAP) - the biggest change to EV incentives in years.

Starting February 16, 2026, Canadians can access:

• Up to $5,000 in rebates for battery-electric and fuel cell vehicles
• Up to $2,500 for plug-in hybrid vehicles
• Point-of-sale incentives (applied immediately at the dealership)
• No price cap for Canadian-made EVs
• $50,000 transaction price limit for imported EVs from free-trade countries

In This Episode:

✅ The EVAP Program Explained - Who qualifies, how the pricing works, and which 35 vehicles are currently eligible

✅ Infrastructure Investment - Breaking down the $84 million investment that will bring 8,000 new charging ports across Canada

✅ The Chinese EV Question - A balanced look at why Chinese EVs are excluded and why that might actually be okay

✅ Manitoba's Next Move - James's proposal for the province to pivot its rebate program to focus on used EVs without age restrictions

✅ Host's Perspective - After a week of TV, radio, and newspaper interviews, James shares his honest take on why this is a great program (and where it could be improved)

Key Takeaways:

• The $50,000 price cap is realistic for today's market
• Excluding freight, PDI, taxes, and warranties from the price calculation gives manufacturers flexibility
• Pairing purchase incentives with charging infrastructure addresses both major barriers to EV adoption
• This could spark creative pricing and packaging from manufacturers competing to hit the $50K threshold

Whether you're considering your first EV, already driving electric, or just curious about Canada's automotive future, this episode breaks down everything you need to know about the EVAP program and what it means for drivers across the country.

Connect with True North EV:

• Manitoba Electric Vehicle Association: Manitobaev.ca
• Email: [email protected]

While we're waiting for construction season to start inthese freezing Canadian temperatures, a massive revolution is happening in the construction industry – and it could change everything about EV adoption in Canada.

In this episode, we dive deep into the electrification ofheavy construction equipment, from compact excavators to 250-tonne cranes, and explore what this means for Canadian construction and EV consumers alike.

You might be wondering, "What do bulldozers have to dowith my electric car?" Here's the exciting part: the construction industry is tackling the exact same challenges that hold back consumer EV adoption – high prices and limited range. And they're solving these problems faster thanmany expected.

With Canada's construction equipment market approaching $4 billion and electric equipment growing at over 13% annually, this isn't just a future possibility – it's happening right now on job sites across the country.

If you've ever wondered whether electric technology is toughenough for "real work," wait until you hear about electric excavators running all day on a single charge or battery-powered cranes lifting 250 tonnes. This episode will change how you think about electrification.

Join me as we explore how electric construction equipment ispaving the way – literally – for broader EV adoption across Canada.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Primary Sources:

Heavy Equipment Guide. (2025, December 10). "Battery-powered heavy equipment gains ground in construction." Retrieved from https://www.heavyequipmentguide.ca/article/40462/battery-powered-heavy-equipment-gains-ground-in-construction

ASC Technical Institute. (2025, November 11). "Going Green: How Electric and Hybrid Heavy Equipment Are Transforming the Construction Industry." Retrieved from https://asctechnicalinstitute.com/2025/11/11/going-green-how-electric-and-hybrid-heavy-equipment-are-transforming-the-construction-industry/

Black Ink Tech. "The Pros and Cons for Switching to Electric Construction Equipment." Retrieved from https://blackinktech.com/blog/post/the-pros-and-cons-for-switching-to-electric-construction-equipment

CONEXPO-CON/AGG. "5 Things to Consider If You're on the Fence About Electric Construction Equipment." Retrieved from https://www.conexpoconagg.com/news/5-things-to-consider-if-youre-on-the-fence-about-e

SupplyPost. (2025). "Diesel vs. Electric Heavy Equipment in Canada." Retrieved from https://www.supplypost.com/news/2025/7/diesel-vs-electric-heavy-equipment-in-canada

VoltEquip. "The Pros and Cons of Using Electric Construction Equipment." Retrieved from https://voltequip.com/news/the-pros-and-cons-of-using-electric-construction-equipment/

DOZR. "Electric vs. Non-Electric Excavators." Retrieved from https://dozr.com/blog/electric-vs-non-electric-excavators

Ailisheng Global. "What Electric Construction Equipment Are Used in Construction Projects?" Retrieved from https://www.ailishengglobal.com/blog/what-electric-construction-equipment-are-used-in-construction-project.html

Conserv Machinery. "Electric vs. Diesel Powered Machinery: Pros and Cons." Retrieved from https://www.conservmachinery.com/blog/electric-vs-diesel-powered-machinery-pros-and-cons

Earth Gear. "Pros and Cons of Electric Earthmoving Machinery: A Shift to Low-Emission Solutions." Retrieved from https://earthgear.com.au/pros-and-cons-of-electric-earthmoving-machinery-a-shift-to-low-emission-solutions/

Volvo Construction Equipment. "Electric Machines." Retrieved from https://www.volvoce.com/united-states/en-us/products/electric-machines/

DOZR. "Electric Construction Equipment." Retrieved from https://dozr.com/blog/electric-construction-equipment

Ansys. "What Are Electric Machines?" Retrieved from https://www.ansys.com/simulation-topics/what-are-electric-machines

Saskatchewan Electric Vehicle Association- sevaonline.ca

evfiresafe.com

Greenway Motors- https://greenwaymotors.ca/

Greenway Electric Youtube- @GreenwayElectric

Manitoba EV rebate Frequently Asked Questions and link to the ev rebate form: https://www.gov.mb.ca/lowercosts/evrebate/index.html

Check out how green your grid is or  if you are in Alberta howgreen it is at this very moment at thegrid.albertaev.ca.  This is a great tool that Electric Vehicle Association of Alberta has put together. It will definitely help also when comparing evs to gas vehicles.

If you would like more info or to contact Tyler at Envirodel feel free to check out his website at envirodel.com or email him at [email protected], on LinkedIn at Envirodel Zero Emissions Courier and also on Instagram @Envirodelwpg or call @204-806-9918

Check Easy EV Install out if you are in Manitoba and looking at getting an EV. You can find and contact Marc on Linkedin and Facebook at Easy EV Install and on Instagram and Twitter at @EasyEVInstall. you can also call or text him at 431-999-EASY(3279) or email at [email protected].

If you are in the Winnipeg or surrounding area and would like an independent shop to look at your electric vehicle, check out Erickson Motors: https://www.ericksonmotors.ca/

 Here is the link to kilowatt podcast:

https://pca.st/podcast/09216500-6e77-0134-787d-4ffec63d9550

Check out Manitoba Electric Vehicle Association at  Manitobaev.ca

Email: [email protected]

Are electric vehicles really cleaner than gas-powered cars?
In this episode of the True North EV Podcast, host James tackles one of the most debated questions in the EV world: the environmental impact of fossil fuel production versus battery manufacturing. We break down the facts for Canadian drivers—exploring short-term and long-term impacts, mining and manufacturing realities, and how Canada’s clean electricity grid changes the equation.

What you’ll learn:

• The continuous emissions from fossil fuel extraction, refining, and burning [Fossil Fue...ion part 1 | Word]
• The one-time environmental cost of battery production—and how quickly EVs “break even” on emissions
• Latest research showing EVs in Canada produce up to 75% fewer lifetime emissions than gas vehicles
• The challenges of lithium and cobalt mining, and how innovation is making batteries cleaner and more ethical
• Why the grid is getting greener every year, making EVs an even better choice over time
• Honest discussion of the real challenges—mining impacts, recycling, grid readiness, and subsidies

Whether you’re EV-curious or already driving electric, this episode gives you the facts, the context, and practical takeaways to make an informed decision. Tune in to discover why, despite their imperfections, EVs are a cleaner, smarter choice for Canada’s future.

Primary Sources Used:

• TD Economics (March 2025) – “Cradle to grave: Lifecycle emissions of electric versus gasoline vehicles in Canada”
• Canada Energy Regulator (2023) – “Canada’s Energy Future 2023”
• Natural Resources Canada (2024) – “Strategic Approach to Battery Innovation”
• Electric Mobility Canada (April 2025) – “Electrifying Progress: A Complete Economic Outlook of the Canadian EV Industry”
• Canadian Climate Institute (November 2025)
• CAA North & East Ontario (2025)
• Young Canadians for Resources (June 2025)
• Alberta Electric Vehicle Association, City of Edmonton, Municipal Climate Change Action Centre, AMA (Alberta Motor Association)
• CBC News (2023, 2025)
• Fraser Institute (2023–2025)
• Communications Earth & Environment (June 2025)
• PMC/National Institutes of Health

Key Statistics Referenced:

• Gas vehicle lifetime emissions: 89.5 tonnes CO₂
• Battery EV (no battery replacement): 21.6 tonnes CO₂
• Battery EV (one battery replacement): 28.4 tonnes CO₂
• Break-even point: Year 2 nationally; 6–18 months in some provinces
• Canada’s clean electricity: 82% non-emitting sources (2024)
• Alberta-specific: EVs reduce emissions by 41% currently; projected 74% as grid greens
• Health costs: Vehicle emissions cost $9.5B annually in Canada
• Economic projections: 1.34 million EV jobs and $171B GDP contribution by 2040
• Battery recycling: Up to 95% of materials recoverable
• EV adoption Canada: 17% of new vehicles in 2024 were EVs
• Global emissions: EVs consistently show 32–47% lower footprint than hybrids

Check out how green your grid is or  if you are in Alberta howgreen it is at this very moment at thegrid.albertaev.ca.  This is a great tool that Electric Vehicle Association of Alberta has put together. It will definitely help also when comparing evs to gas vehicles.Check Easy EV Install out if you are in Manitoba and looking at getting an EV. You can find and contact Marc on Linkedin and Facebook at Easy EV Install and on Instagram and Twitter at @EasyEVInstall. you can also call or text him at 431-999-EASY(3279) or email at [email protected].Here is the link to kilowatt podcast:

https://pca.st/podcast/09216500-6e77-0134-787d-4ffec63d9550

Check out Manitoba Electric Vehicle Association at  Manitobaev.ca

Facebook link is: @truenorthev

Email: [email protected]

Saskatchewan Electric Vehicle Association- sevaonline.ca

evfiresafe.com

Greenway Motors- https://greenwaymotors.ca/

Greenway Electric Youtube- @GreenwayElectric

Manitoba EV rebate Frequently Asked Questions and link to the ev rebate form: https://www.gov.mb.ca/lowercosts/evrebate/index.html

Check out how green your grid is or  if you are in Alberta howgreen it is at this very moment at thegrid.albertaev.ca.  This is a great tool that Electric Vehicle Association of Alberta has put together. It will definitely help also when comparing evs to gas vehicles.

If you would like more info or to contact Tyler at Envirodel feel free to check out his website at envirodel.com or email him at [email protected], on LinkedIn at Envirodel Zero Emissions Courier and also on Instagram @Envirodelwpg or call @204-806-9918

Check Easy EV Install out if you are in Manitoba and looking at getting an EV. You can find and contact Marc on Linkedin and Facebook at Easy EV Install and on Instagram and Twitter at @EasyEVInstall. you can also call or text him at 431-999-EASY(3279) or email at [email protected].

If you are in the Winnipeg or surrounding area and would like an independent shop to look at your electric vehicle, check out Erickson Motors: https://www.ericksonmotors.ca/

 Here is the link to kilowatt podcast:

https://pca.st/podcast/09216500-6e77-0134-787d-4ffec63d9550

Check out Manitoba Electric Vehicle Association at  Manitobaev.ca

Facebook link is: @truenorthev

Email: [email protected]

Saskatchewan Electric Vehicle Association- sevaonline.ca

evfiresafe.com

Greenway Motors- https://greenwaymotors.ca/

Greenway Electric Youtube- @GreenwayElectric

Manitoba EV rebate Frequently Asked Questions and link to the ev rebate form: https://www.gov.mb.ca/lowercosts/evrebate/index.html

Check out how green your grid is or  if you are in Alberta howgreen it is at this very moment at thegrid.albertaev.ca.  This is a great tool that Electric Vehicle Association of Alberta has put together. It will definitely help also when comparing evs to gas vehicles.

If you would like more info or to contact Tyler at Envirodel feel free to check out his website at envirodel.com or email him at [email protected], on LinkedIn at Envirodel Zero Emissions Courier and also on Instagram @Envirodelwpg or call @204-806-9918

Check Easy EV Install out if you are in Manitoba and looking at getting an EV. You can find and contact Marc on Linkedin and Facebook at Easy EV Install and on Instagram and Twitter at @EasyEVInstall. you can also call or text him at 431-999-EASY(3279) or email at [email protected].

If you are in the Winnipeg or surrounding area and would like an independent shop to look at your electric vehicle, check out Erickson Motors: https://www.ericksonmotors.ca/

 Here is the link to kilowatt podcast:

https://pca.st/podcast/09216500-6e77-0134-787d-4ffec63d9550

Check out Manitoba Electric Vehicle Association at  Manitobaev.ca

Facebook link is: @truenorthev
Email: [email protected]

• Manitoba Electric Vehicle Association: Manitobaev.ca

• True North EV Facebook: @truenorthev

• Email: [email protected]

• Kilowatt Podcast (hosted by Bodie)

• Manitoba Electrical Museum "Watt a Season" exhibit (Nov 22 - Jan 10)

Saskatchewan Electric Vehicle Association- sevaonline.ca

evfiresafe.com

Greenway Motors- https://greenwaymotors.ca/

Greenway Electric Youtube- @GreenwayElectric

Manitoba EV rebate Frequently Asked Questions and link to the ev rebate form: https://www.gov.mb.ca/lowercosts/evrebate/index.html

Check out how green your grid is or  if you are in Alberta howgreen it is at this very moment at thegrid.albertaev.ca.  This is a great tool that Electric Vehicle Association of Alberta has put together. It will definitely help also when comparing evs to gas vehicles.

If you would like more info or to contact Tyler at Envirodel feel free to check out his website at envirodel.com or email him at [email protected], on LinkedIn at Envirodel Zero Emissions Courier and also on Instagram @Envirodelwpg or call @204-806-9918

Check Easy EV Install out if you are in Manitoba and looking at getting an EV. You can find and contact Marc on Linkedin and Facebook at Easy EV Install and on Instagram and Twitter at @EasyEVInstall. you can also call or text him at 431-999-EASY(3279) or email at [email protected].

If you are in the Winnipeg or surrounding area and would like an independent shop to look at your electric vehicle, check out Erickson Motors: https://www.ericksonmotors.ca/

 Here is the link to kilowatt podcast:

https://pca.st/podcast/09216500-6e77-0134-787d-4ffec63d9550

Check out Manitoba Electric Vehicle Association at  Manitobaev.ca

Facebook link is: @truenorthev
Email: [email protected]

In this episode of True North EV, James Hart delves into Tesla's recent shareholder meeting, where a $1 trillion pay package for Elon Musk was approved. The discussion covers the implications for EV drivers in Canada, the ambitious targets set for Tesla, and the broader impact on the EV market.

Saskatchewan Electric Vehicle Association- sevaonline.ca

evfiresafe.com

Greenway Motors- https://greenwaymotors.ca/

Greenway Electric Youtube- @GreenwayElectric

Manitoba EV rebate Frequently Asked Questions and link to the ev rebate form: https://www.gov.mb.ca/lowercosts/evrebate/index.html

Check out how green your grid is or  if you are in Alberta howgreen it is at this very moment at thegrid.albertaev.ca.  This is a great tool that Electric Vehicle Association of Alberta has put together. It will definitely help also when comparing evs to gas vehicles.

If you would like more info or to contact Tyler at Envirodel feel free to check out his website at envirodel.com or email him at [email protected], on LinkedIn at Envirodel Zero Emissions Courier and also on Instagram @Envirodelwpg or call @204-806-9918

Check Easy EV Install out if you are in Manitoba and looking at getting an EV. You can find and contact Marc on Linkedin and Facebook at Easy EV Install and on Instagram and Twitter at @EasyEVInstall. you can also call or text him at 431-999-EASY(3279) or email at [email protected].

If you are in the Winnipeg or surrounding area and would like an independent shop to look at your electric vehicle, check out Erickson Motors: https://www.ericksonmotors.ca/

 Here is the link to kilowatt podcast:

https://pca.st/podcast/09216500-6e77-0134-787d-4ffec63d9550

Check out Manitoba Electric Vehicle Association at  Manitobaev.ca

Facebook link is: @truenorthev

Email: [email protected]

Saskatchewan Electric Vehicle Association- sevaonline.ca

evfiresafe.com

Greenway Motors- https://greenwaymotors.ca/

Greenway Electric Youtube- @GreenwayElectric

Manitoba EV rebate Frequently Asked Questions and link to the ev rebate form: https://www.gov.mb.ca/lowercosts/evrebate/index.html

Check out how green your grid is or  if you are in Alberta howgreen it is at this very moment at thegrid.albertaev.ca.  This is a great tool that Electric Vehicle Association of Alberta has put together. It will definitely help also when comparing evs to gas vehicles.

If you would like more info or to contact Tyler at Envirodel feel free to check out his website at envirodel.com or email him at [email protected], on LinkedIn at Envirodel Zero Emissions Courier and also on Instagram @Envirodelwpg or call @204-806-9918

Check Easy EV Install out if you are in Manitoba and looking at getting an EV. You can find and contact Marc on Linkedin and Facebook at Easy EV Install and on Instagram and Twitter at @EasyEVInstall. you can also call or text him at 431-999-EASY(3279) or email at [email protected].

If you are in the Winnipeg or surrounding area and would like an independent shop to look at your electric vehicle, check out Erickson Motors: https://www.ericksonmotors.ca/

 Here is the link to kilowatt podcast:

https://pca.st/podcast/09216500-6e77-0134-787d-4ffec63d9550

Check out Manitoba Electric Vehicle Association at  Manitobaev.ca

Facebook link is: @truenorthev

Email: [email protected]

1.    Manitoba Electric Vehicle Association: [https://manitobaev.ca](https://manitobaev.ca) - A fantasticlocal resource with real owners who can answer your questions 

2.    PlugShare and ChargeHub apps: Useful for finding charging stations across Canada 1.

3.    Plug'n Drive Canada: [https://plugndrive.ca](https://plugndrive.ca) -Comprehensive information on incentives across all provinces, including their "Find My EV Match" tool where you can personalize incentives by your postal code 

4.    Provincial Government Websites forCurrent Incentive Programs:

o   Manitoba: [www.gov.mb.ca/lowercosts/evrebate](http://www.gov.mb.ca/lowercosts/evrebate) 

o   British Columbia: [https://goelectricbc.gov.bc.ca](https://goelectricbc.gov.bc.ca) 

o   Quebec: [https://quebec.ca/transports/electric-transportation](https://quebec.ca/transports/electric-transportation) 

o   Prince Edward Island: [https://princeedwardisland.ca](https://princeedwardisland.ca) (searchfor electric vehicle incentive) 

5.     If you're interested in working together, shoot me an email at [email protected] and put "EV Consulting" in the subject line. We'll set up a time tochat about your situation and how I can help.

6.    Used EVs in Canada - Buying Tips,Depreciation, and Hidden Gems: [SpotifyEpisode](https://open.spotify.com/episode/1By1xp1ySET9n7qMbilnhn?si=67821232820846be)