Roulez Vert — New vehicle rebate

The Québec government offers up to $7,000 in financial assistance for the purchase or lease of a new electric vehicle under the Roulez vert program. This incentive aims to encourage the adoption of eco-friendly transportation options in the region.

The Roulez vert program, initiated by the Gouvernement du Québec, is a significant step towards promoting sustainable and eco-friendly transportation within the province. This program provides substantial financial incentives to individuals, businesses, municipalities, and organizations in Québec who are interested in purchasing or leasing new electric vehicles (EVs). Below, we delve into the specifics of the program, including eligibility criteria, application processes, and upcoming changes in the program.

The Roulez vert program offers various levels of financial assistance depending on the type of electric vehicle being purchased or leased. The following are the maximum rebate amounts available: - **Fully Electric Vehicles:** $7,000 - **Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles:** Up to $5,000 (depending on battery capacity) - **Hydrogen-Powered Vehicles:** $7,000 - **Electric Motorcycles:** $2,000 - **Electric Scooters (Limited-Speed Motorcycles):** $500 The detailed list of eligible vehicles includes specific models and versions. Vehicle eligibility is determined by factors such as the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) cap of $65,000, battery capacity, and other technical specifications.

Significant changes to the financial assistance amounts are scheduled for the coming years. These changes were announced during the Québec government's Budget Speech for 2024-2025. The gradual reduction in grant amounts will be as follows: - **Fully Electric Vehicles:** From $7,000 in 2024 to $4,000 in 2025, $2,000 in 2026, and $0 in 2027. - **Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (8 to 15 kWh):** From $2,500 in 2024 to $1,000 in 2025, $500 in 2026, and $0 in 2027. - **Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (15 kWh and more):** From $5,000 in 2024 to $2,000 in 2025, $1,000 in 2026, and $0 in 2027. - **Used Fully Electric Vehicles:** From $3,500 in 2024 to $2,000 in 2025, $1,000 in 2026, and $0 in 2027. - **Electric Motorcycles:** From $2,000 in 2024 to $1,000 in 2025, $500 in 2026, and $0 in 2027. - **Limited-Speed Electric Motorcycles:** From $500 in 2024 to $0 in 2025. It's important to note that only the vehicle registration date will be considered for determining the amount of financial assistance. This means that financial assistance will not be granted based on the order date or deposit given before the scheduled reduction dates.

To qualify for the Roulez vert program, several criteria and conditions must be met: - The vehicle must be included in the list of eligible new electric vehicles. - The vehicle should be registered for the first time in Québec and not have been previously registered outside Québec. - The vehicle must be purchased or leased in Canada for at least 12 months or more. - The battery capacity criteria must be met, which requires fully electric vehicles to have a minimum of 8 kilowatt-hours (kWh) and plug-in hybrids to have between 8 kWh and 15 kWh for a $2,500 rebate, and a minimum of 15 kWh for a $5,000 rebate. For individual applicants, the minimum registration period in Québec is 12 months for personal vehicles and 36 months for fleet purchases (three or more vehicles in a fiscal year). Additionally, the rebate can be applied to long-term leases (minimum of 12 months) with the amount varying based on the lease duration.

The application process for the financial assistance is straightforward: 1. **Register for the Program:** Interested individuals or businesses need to register for the Roulez vert program’s online services before acquiring the vehicle. 2. **Purchase or Lease the Vehicle:** Ensure that the vehicle is on the list of eligible vehicles and complies with all the set criteria. 3. **Dealer Involvement:** The dealership can often apply the rebate directly to the purchase or lease contract, saving the applicant from having to wait for the rebate. 4. **Direct Application:** If the dealership does not apply the rebate, the applicant can claim the financial assistance directly through the program’s online services. This process may take several weeks after the application is approved.

Dealerships are not permitted to charge administration fees for applying the government rebate. Applicants have the option to refuse the dealer’s application of the rebate and can submit the application personally using the program’s online services.

In addition to the Québec government rebate, the Canadian federal government provides a subsidy of up to $5,000 for purchasing or leasing a new electric vehicle. This federal assistance can be combined with the Québec rebate to offer significant financial relief for buyers.

The Québec government can amend the conditions of the Roulez vert program and the amounts of financial assistance at any time. It is essential to regularly consult the program’s official guidelines and updates to stay informed about these changes. The program has specific requirements for demonstrator vehicles and ineligible vehicles. For example, demo vehicles must have less than 10,000 km for eligibility. Vehicles converted to electric, acquired for resale, or registered before January 1, 2020, are ineligible.

The normative framework of the Roulez vert program provides the detailed conditions, eligibility criteria, and administrative rules. This framework is the authoritative document over any other published materials regarding the program. Participants are expected to comply fully with these rules to avoid repayment demands by the Québec government.

The Roulez vert financial assistance program is a critical initiative by the Québec government to promote the adoption of electric vehicles, thereby contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions and fostering a cleaner environment. Prospective buyers and lessees are encouraged to take advantage of the current incentives before the scheduled reductions in 2025 and 2026. This program represents a significant financial opportunity for those committed to making a positive environmental impact through the adoption of eco-friendly transportation options in Québec.