The Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC), the province’s vehicle sales regulator, is sending out a warning to electric vehicle (EV) buyers who may be expecting a rebate from the soon-to-be cancelled Electric and Hydrogen Vehicle Incentive Program (EHVIP).
Ontario’s EV rebate program has been a delicate topic for dealers. Many of them have had to shell out the rebate cash to the consumer well in advance as an incentive, and to help them avoid the months-long waiting period for the rebate to arrive in the mail. As a result, dealers have been left waiting for months for more than one rebate — an issue that had the potential of impacting their business.
Most rebates range between $7,000 – $14,000, depending on the EV model. The amount is significant enough that it could be a deciding factor for many consumers when choosing to purchase an EV over a regular gas-engine car.
However, John Carmichael, CEO and Registrar of OMVIC, is concerned “for the consumer who orders an EV that isn’t in stock and the delivery date is uncertain.” The OMVIC news release adds that “if the vehicle is not registered, plated and delivered, by September 10, 2018, that buyer would no longer qualify for an incentive and could potentially face a cost increase, depending on how the contract is worded.”
Carmichael is advising consumers looking to buy an EV within the next six weeks (where the rebate is applicable), to make the purchase conditional. “Have the dealer include a clause on the bill of sale stating that the vehicle must be delivered, registered and plated by September 10th and the purchaser qualifies for the EHVIP incentive,” said Carmichael.
If the condition is not met, he advises consumers to cancel the purchase and ask for their deposit back.
“OMVIC believes that by taking this step, both the dealer and consumer have the same expectations and this will help avoid any misunderstandings or disputes if vehicles can’t be delivered before the program winds down,” said Carmichael.
