Regulator Cautions Consumers to Protect Themselves As EV Rebate Program Winds Down

TORONTO, Aug. 2, 2018 /CNW/ - Electric Vehicle (EV) buyers who are expecting to receive a rebate from Ontario's soon-to- be-cancelled Electric and Hydrogen Vehicle Incentive Program (EHVIP), are being cautioned to take steps to protect themselves from possible increased costs when signing a purchase contract.

According to the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), in order for an EV buyer to qualify for the incentive (most rebates are between $7,000 - $14,000 depending on the EV purchased), he or she must take delivery of the vehicle before the program ends in September. "If the vehicle is in stock this shouldn't be problematic" stated John Carmichael, CEO and Registrar of OMVIC, Ontario's vehicle sales regulator. "But we do have concern for the consumer who orders an EV that isn't in stock and the delivery date is uncertain."  Because if the EV is not registered, plated and delivered, by September 10^th 2018, that buyer would no longer qualify for an incentive and could potentially face a cost increase, depending on how the contract is worded.

An incentive of up to $14,000 is significant, and receiving that money could be a deciding factor for many consumers in deciding to buy an EV before the incentive program ends. So Carmichael has some advice for those shoppers who are considering an EV purchase in the next six weeks, where that purchase is contingent on receiving the EHVIP incentive: "Make the deal conditional. Have the dealer include a clause on the bill of sale stating that the vehicle must be delivered, registered and plated by September 10^th and the purchaser qualifies for the EHVIP incentive." If this condition isn't met, the contract is cancelled and any deposit is returned to the consumer. "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."

Of course a dealership has to agree to any conditions but most understand a consumer's concerns and desire to ensure the transaction goes smoothly, and will accommodate. Should a dealer refuse to include a condition a consumer has requested, it is then up to the consumer to decide if he or she wants to do business with that dealer.

MTO EVHIP Information

EVHIP Announcement

EVHIP Eligible Vehicle and Incentive List

About OMVIC

OMVIC (Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council) administers and enforces the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act (MVDA) on behalf of the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services. OMVIC maintains a fair and informed vehicle sales marketplace by regulating dealers and salespersons, regularly inspecting Ontario's 8,000 dealerships and 27,000 salespeople, maintaining a complaint line for consumers and conducting investigations and prosecutions of industry misconduct and illegal sales (curbsiding). OMVIC is also responsible for administering the Motor Vehicle Dealers Compensation Fund on behalf of its Board of Trustees.

SOURCE Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC)

For further information: Terry O'Keefe, Director of Communications and Education, 416-226-4500x3525, [e-mail]; Daphne Boxill, Communications Officer, 416-226-4500x3185, [e-mail]

Related Links

http://www.omvic.on.ca