What tax you pay on a used electric car or plug-in hybrid in BC now that the exemption has ended, which rebates actually exist, and what to check before you buy.
A used EV or plug-in hybrid can be a smart buy in the Lower Mainland, but the money side changed in 2025 and much of what is online hasn't caught up. The used-EV PST exemption has ended. The provincial passenger rebate is paused. The new federal program has its own rules. This guide sets out what buying a used EV in BC actually costs in tax today, which incentives exist, and what to check on the car itself, using the province's and Transport Canada's own pages.
Buying a used EV in BC: the tax picture in 2026
Yes, if you bought it after April 30, 2025. The province's PST exemption for qualifying used zero-emission vehicles ran from February 23, 2022 to April 30, 2025. From a dealer, a used EV under $75,000 is charged 7% PST plus 5% GST. Privately, it is 12% PST. The province's Bulletin PST 308 (revised August 2026) puts it plainly: "PST will apply to purchases and leases of used ZEVs after April 30, 2025."
Zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) do keep one advantage: their PST rate steps up at a higher price than gas vehicles. For ZEVs acquired after February 22, 2022:
| Purchase price | ZEV, private sale | ZEV, from a dealer | Gas or regular hybrid, from a dealer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $55,000 | 12% | 7% | 7% |
| $55,000 to $74,999.99 | 12% | 7% | 8% to 10% |
| $75,000 to $75,999.99 | 12% | 8% | 10% |
| $76,000 to $76,999.99 | 12% | 9% | 10% |
| $77,000 to $124,999.99 | 12% | 10% | 10% |
| $125,000 to $149,999.99 | 15% | 15% | 15% |
| $150,000 and over | 20% | 20% | 20% |
Dealer purchases also carry 5% GST. Private sales are taxed on the greater of the price or the Canadian Black Book average wholesale value. Our guide to PST on used cars in BC explains that rule and how a trade-in reduces the taxable amount.
Worked examples
- A used EV at $40,000 from a dealer: 7% PST ($2,800) + 5% GST ($2,000) = $4,800. Same as a gas car at that price.
- A used EV at $65,000 from a dealer: 7% PST ($4,550). A gas vehicle at $65,000 is in the 10% band ($6,500), so the ZEV rate saves $1,950 in PST.
The clock on the ZEV rates
Bulletin PST 308 says the ZEV rate thresholds, where the dealer rate stays at 7% up to $75,000, are in effect until February 22, 2027, after which they return to the old rates. For most used EVs under $55,000 it makes no difference. In the $55,000 to $77,000 range it matters.
What counts as a ZEV, and what doesn't
Yes, for PST purposes. Bulletin PST 308 defines zero-emission vehicles to include fully electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and hydrogen vehicles, but not regular hybrids that can't plug in. Regular hybrids are taxed at the same rates as gas vehicles. So a used plug-in hybrid gets the ZEV thresholds. A conventional hybrid at the same price does not. PST 308 also excludes golf carts, motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATVs and neighbourhood ZEVs from the definition. The province keeps a list of qualifying ZEVs and asks you to contact it if a vehicle isn't on the list.
If you are weighing a hybrid against a plug-in, see our best used hybrid cars and most fuel-efficient used cars guides.
Rebates and incentives: what is actually available
Provincial
Not for passenger vehicles right now. The province's rebate site says the CleanBC Go Electric Passenger Vehicle Rebate program is paused and pre-approval applications are no longer being accepted. Other Go Electric programs are listed separately by the province. You can see the status on the province's EV rebate site, which points to goelectricbc.gov.bc.ca for the remaining offerings.
Federal
Transport Canada's Electric Vehicle Affordability Program covers eligible purchases or leases made on or after February 16, 2026, using a published vehicle list and a $50,000 final transaction value cap. Its pages do not describe used vehicles as eligible. Confirm with Transport Canada before counting on it. Transport Canada's EVAP page (modified October 2, 2026) says the program runs until March 31, 2031 or until funding runs out. It reported $1.92 billion remaining as of October 1, 2026. The vehicle list page notes that being on the list "does not guarantee that every purchase or lease of that vehicle will qualify."
Bottom line for buying a used EV in BC: plan your budget assuming no rebate and full PST at the applicable rate. Anything else is a bonus you have confirmed in writing.
What to check on a used EV
An EV has fewer moving parts than a gas car, but the checks that matter are different:
- History report and status. Run an ICBC or CARFAX Canada report. ICBC's vehicle status shows whether a car is normal, rebuilt, salvage, altered or non-repairable. ICBC's FAQ also notes that, as of 2008, flood vehicles can't be licensed and insured in BC. Our guide to the ICBC vehicle claims history report covers what each report includes.
- Remaining manufacturer coverage. Battery and drivetrain warranty terms vary by maker and model year. Ask for the in-service date and check the manufacturer's warranty booklet for what is left and whether it transfers.
- Battery condition. Ask whether the manufacturer's diagnostics or app can show a battery health reading, and compare the car's real-world range on a full charge with what you need for your commute.
- Open recalls. The VSA suggests checking the manufacturer's site or the Government of Canada recall database.
- Charging equipment. Confirm which charging cable comes with the car and which connector it uses, and think about where you will charge. A strata building or street parking changes the answer.
- A mechanical inspection. Suspension, tires, brakes and cooling systems still wear. An inspection by someone familiar with EVs is money well spent.
Bring our used car buying checklist for the rest of the walk-around.
Financing and buying from us
Luminai Auto Group in Richmond sells all types of used vehicles, and every one is multi-point inspected before sale and comes with a full history report. If we don't have the EV or plug-in you want, we can try to source it for you. Financing is available through multiple lenders with online pre-approval. See financing, or browse the current inventory. Call (778) 829-6669. We are open seven days a week, 11 am to 6 pm.
Frequently asked questions
Do you pay PST on a used electric car in BC?
Yes, if you bought it after April 30, 2025. The province's PST exemption for qualifying used zero-emission vehicles ran from February 23, 2022 to April 30, 2025. From a dealer, a used EV under $75,000 is charged 7% PST plus 5% GST. Privately, it is 12% PST.
Is there a BC rebate for used electric cars?
Not for passenger vehicles right now. The province's rebate site says the CleanBC Go Electric Passenger Vehicle Rebate program is paused and pre-approval applications are no longer being accepted. Other Go Electric programs are listed separately by the province.
Does the federal EV rebate apply to used cars?
Transport Canada's Electric Vehicle Affordability Program covers eligible purchases or leases made on or after February 16, 2026, using a published vehicle list and a $50,000 final transaction value cap. Its pages do not describe used vehicles as eligible. Confirm with Transport Canada before counting on it.
Is a plug-in hybrid taxed like an EV in BC?
Yes, for PST purposes. Bulletin PST 308 defines zero-emission vehicles to include fully electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and hydrogen vehicles, but not regular hybrids that can't plug in. Regular hybrids are taxed at the same rates as gas vehicles.
When do the special EV PST rates end?
Bulletin PST 308 says the ZEV rate thresholds, where the dealer rate stays at 7% up to $75,000, are in effect until February 22, 2027, after which they return to the old rates.
From Province of BC Bulletin PST 308 (revised August 2026), the BC EV rebate site, and Transport Canada EVAP pages (modified October 2, 2026), checked October 2026. Incentives change often. Confirm before you buy. This is general information, not tax advice.
Sources
- Province of BC: Bulletin PST 308, PST on Vehicles (revised August 2026)
- Province of BC: CleanBC Go Electric Passenger Vehicle Rebate (program paused)
- Transport Canada: Electric Vehicle Affordability Program (modified Oct 2, 2026)
- Transport Canada: EVAP vehicle list and $50,000 transaction cap
- ICBC: Vehicle Claims History Report FAQ (status types, flood vehicles)
- Vehicle Sales Authority of BC: Buying Privately (recall checks)