The rules for rebates changed with the introduction this year of the new federal government Electric Vehicle Affordability Program (EVAP).
The only fully electric vehicles that qualify for $5,000 rebates are those with a transactional price of less than $50,000 before fees and taxes. This means, for example, that if your preferred car has an upgraded sound system that pushes its final list price to more than $50,000, you won’t get a $5,000 cheque from the government. But if the standard sound system of a cheaper trim keeps the price below that $50,000 cap, you will. Take it or leave it.
You can see the full list of eligible vehicles here – there are currently 16 different full EVs in various trim levels, as well as plug-in hybrids that qualify for $2,500 rebates.
Canada’s new $5,000 EV incentive is different from the old one. Here’s how it works
Mark Richardson
First choice: Chevrolet Equinox EV LT AWD
My first choice is the Chevrolet Equinox EV. The all-wheel-drive version of the cheaper LT edition just squeaks in under the $50,000 cap and you get a lot of SUV for your money. Its driving range is a healthy 494 kilometres (513 kilometres for the front-wheel drive) in warm weather, though the Ultium batteries are conditioned for cold weather so the range doesn’t drop too much.
The Equinox is larger than many of the other vehicles on the list and it’s well equipped with driver’s assistance features including active cruise control. The 2025 front-wheel-drive RS trim also qualifies for the rebate, if you like larger wheels and a sportier look. You just have to be careful not to tick off too many options on the purchase sheet or you’ll go over the cap and lose that $5,000.
The Chevrolet Equinox EV on display at the Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto on Feb. 13, 2025.Kunal D'souza/The Globe and Mail
Second choice: Tesla Model Y RWD
It’s only the most basic, rear-wheel-drive version of the Model Y that qualifies, after some price juggling when the details of the federal rebates were first announced. I suggest leasing over buying because the purchase price has been up and down in the last year or so, but it doesn’t matter how you pay for it to qualify for the rebate.
The basic Model Y has a maximum claimed range of 463 kilometres, but if you don’t like driving, it’s the car for you. Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (Supervised) feature is a monthly $99 subscription that can be activated after the sale, so it does not affect the rebate, and it will probably take you from start to finish on your journey without having to touch the wheel or pedals. Country lanes, city intersections, even roundabouts and unexpected obstacles are all accounted for. It still needs supervision, though – keep your eyes on the road.
(An honourable mention here to the Tesla Model 3 sedan. It’s now imported from China, so it does not qualify for the EVAP rebates, but Tesla slashed its pricing at the beginning of May to keep its Canadian cost competitive. A month ago, the cheapest Model 3 was the Long Range version, which had a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $59,990 and a range of up to 584 kilometres. Now, the rear-wheel drive Model 3 Premium has an MSRP of $39,490, with a range of 463 kilometres and acceleration of 4.2 seconds from zero to 100 kilometres an hour. No rebate, but a similar price.)
The Tesla Model Y charging in Jasper, Alta.Jason Tchir/The Globe and Mail
Kunal D’souza
First choice: Toyota C-HR XSE AWD
The subcompact Toyota C-HR returns this year in electric form and now counts as the lowest-priced EV in the company’s lineup.
Toyota recently launched four new EVs, starting with the revamped bZ compact SUV in 2025. Based on that platform, the next to follow were the larger bZ Woodland, the C-HR and the mid-size Highlander.
The C-HR starts from $44,900 before fees and taxes, but gets many of the same features you find in the larger and more expensive models, such as a 14-inch infotainment screen, dual wireless phone chargers, heated seats and steering wheel and a power tailgate. It also gets a 77-kilowatt-hour battery good for nearly 500 kilometres of range. This a stylish new EV, and has great handling to go with an available dual-motor powertrain that packs a 338-horsepower punch.
Toyota is offering up to an additional $5,500 on top of the $5,000 EVAP rebate which all trims of the C-HR qualify for, including the dual-motor XSE AWD with the premium package. This makes the AWD C-HR, which is $5,000 more than the base FWD C-HR, an excellent value for Canadian shoppers looking for a wallet-friendly all-wheel-drive EV.
The C-HR is smaller than the bZ, but can be had with the same power and is quite fun to throw into a corner.Kunal D'souza/The Globe and Mail
Second choice: Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack
Because the Charger is made in Canada, there’s no cap on its final transaction value, which means the $69,995 (MSRP), 550-horsepower electric muscle car qualifies for the $5,000 federal EV incentive. The Charger is one of the most interesting EVs out there. It’s great to drive and brimming with character, from its resto-mod styling to its rumbly exhaust, which is just a set of speakers installed in the rear bumper.
The Charger Daytona has 496 horsepower in the R/T trim and 670 in the Scat Pack.Kunal D'souza/The Globe and Mail
Miranda Lightstone
First choice: Hyundai Kona EV
The Kona EV strikes a rare balance between accessibility and real-world utility. With an estimated range of 420 kilometres, it comfortably handles highway hauls even in our demanding climate. The cabin is thoughtfully engineered, featuring an intuitive dual-screen interface that remains remarkably user-friendly.
It doesn’t just qualify for the rebate; it justifies its $43,999 price (before fees and taxes) by delivering a refined, composed ride that feels far more substantial than its subcompact footprint suggests.
The 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric has a range of 420 kilometres.Jason Tchir/The Globe and Mail
Second choice: Fiat 500e
For those who prioritize urban agility, the Fiat 500e earns a strong honourable mention. Positioned as one of the most affordable entries in the market with a starting price of $39,995, it is the quintessential city runabout. While its 227-kilometre range limits long-distance aspirations, its nimble handling and spirited performance make it a joy to pilot through tight traffic. Both vehicles prove that maximizing government incentives doesn’t require sacrificing character or driving dynamics.
The 2024 Fiat 500e will be one of two cars in Canada with an MSRP of less than $40,000.Jason Tchir/The Globe and Mail
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