'A necessary evil': EV association doesn't like, but understands, Manitoba excluding Tesla from rebate program

CBC

21-03-2025

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The head of the Manitoba Electric Vehicle Association won't go as far as supporting the provice's decision to remove Teslas and China-made electric vehicles from the EV rebate program, but he understands it.
"I think it's almost a necessary evil. I don't necessarily like it, but it's meant to send a message down south — and I think it will do that," said James Hart.
"It sounds like it is basically just falling in line with what B.C. is doing also, which is cancelling any rebates on Tesla or Tesla products."
Under Manitoba's rebate program, rolled out last year, any resident who buys an electric or plug-in hybrid EV in the province with a manufacturer's suggested list price below $70,000 can apply for a refund of up to $4,000.
The rebate rises to $2,500 for a used EV, while those leasing one could be eligible for $1,000–$4,000 return. All rebates are subject to the vehicle being on the list of eligible EVs.
The program officially began in July 2024 but was made retroactive to Aug. 1, 2023.
Kicking out Teslas and Chinese EVs is part of "Trump-proofing our economy," Finance Minister Adrien Sala said in Thursday's announcement, part of the provincial budget.
Trump has hit Canada with 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminum with plans to implement additional levies on April 2. In anothr development, China has imposed a 100 per cent levy on Canadian canola oil and meal, plus a 25 per cent duty on seafood and pork.
Manitoba's decision could spur other EV manufacturers to bring in more vehicles for buyers who are now "looking at the other choices that are out there," Hart said, highlighting a potential upside.
Lots of choices
It would have been worse for Manitoba consumers a few years ago when Teslas were one of the few available EVs, he said.
"Right now we have so many other choices that I don't know if it's going to impact us as much — and I get why they're doing it."
However, buyers looking for a sedan similar to the Tesla Model 3 won't find anything comparable, Hart said. And if someone really likes the technology incorporated into a Tesla, "there's not a whole lot of other choices out there that are really good."
"I guess my one personal disappointment is the Chinese vehicles being taken off, also," Hart said.
"I don't know how far they're going with that. Technically, Volvo is owned by a Chinese company so … it will be interesting to see if they're taken off or left on, as the ones we're getting aren't necessarily made in China but are owned by a Chinese company."
Many people buy Volvos for their safety record, which has routinely been ranked highly by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the U.S.
"So they want that for their family car and all that and unfortunately, if they're taken off the list … it might be that difference between getting [an EV] and not getting one," Hart said.