Ontario to Offer Rebates for Businesses Buying Low-Carbon Vehicles

In Canada, Ontario is helping businesses reduce their carbon impact through a new program that helps companies buy low-carbon vehicles and fuel-saving devices. This investment is part of Ontario’s Climate Change Action Plan and is funded by proceeds from the province’s cap on pollution and carbon market.

The Green Commercial Vehicle Program will provide rebates towards the purchase of alternative-fuel vehicles and fuel-saving devices, making it more affordable for businesses to own and operate greener vehicles. Eligible vehicles and devices include electric and natural gas-powered trucks, aerodynamic and anti-idling devices, and electric refrigeration units.

Applications for the program will start in early 2018, and eligible vehicles and devices purchased after September 1, 2017 will qualify for the rebate.

Greenhouse gas emissions from road-based movement of freight in Ontario have doubled from 1990 to 2014. In 2015, the transportation sector accounted for about a third of Ontario’s greenhouse gas emissions. The Climate Change Action Plan and carbon market form the backbone of Ontario’s strategy to cut greenhouse gas pollution to 15 percent below 1990 levels by 2020, 37 percent by 2030 and 80 percent by 2050.

“We hope the program will encourage more businesses to make the switch to low-carbon vehicles that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation. “We’re committed to working with our partners and local businesses to modernize the way we do business and keep Ontario an attractive and sustainable place to work.”