The British Columbia government has removed Tesla products from its electric vehicle charger rebate program, citing U.S. tariffs and Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s close ties to U.S. President Donald Trump as key reasons for the move.
Why Tesla Is No Longer Eligible for Rebates
As of March 12, Tesla chargers, energy storage batteries, and inverters are no longer eligible for B.C. Hydro’s rebate program, which offers British Columbians up to $350 for purchasing and installing EV chargers. Premier David Eby made it clear that the decision was politically motivated.
“It’s just for Tesla, and it’s because of Elon Musk,” Eby said, arguing that taxpayers would “want to throw up” if they knew their money was subsidizing Musk’s company.
Musk, a vocal supporter of Trump, has faced criticism in Canada amid growing trade tensions. Trump has imposed tariffs on Canadian goods and has repeatedly stated his desire to annex Canada, using trade measures as leverage.
Government Stance: Prioritizing Canadian Goods
B.C. Energy Minister Adrian Dix said he personally pushed for Tesla’s removal after reviewing the province’s rebate programs.
“I thought they shouldn’t be made available on a public subsidy program right now. I don’t think anyone in British Columbia needs to be told why, and I think most people would support their removal.”
While Tesla products remain available for purchase in the province, government funds will no longer be used to subsidize them.
Broader Impact on Tesla in Canada
Tesla vehicles had already been excluded from B.C.’s electric vehicle rebate program, but that decision was based on price limits, rather than politics. Changes to the subsidy last year restricted eligibility to EVs under $50,000 for cars and under $70,000 for larger vehicles, making most Tesla models ineligible.
The move aligns with a “Buy Canadian” strategy promoted by political leaders in response to Trump’s trade war. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has gone further, vowing in February to impose a 100% tariff on all Tesla products if his party forms government.
Tesla Owners Caught in the Political Crossfire
The decision is the latest example of how Tesla owners in Canada are being affected by Musk’s political affiliations. Some Tesla drivers in B.C. have reported facing hostility on the road, with a growing number expressing embarrassment over their association with Musk.
The B.C. government has also introduced new legislation granting itself sweeping powers to respond to Trump’s trade threats, reinforcing its stance against U.S. economic aggression.
With the trade war escalating, Tesla’s future in Canada remains uncertain, as political and economic factors continue to shape policies against U.S.-affiliated brands.
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