The BC Hydro EV charger rebate pays up to 50% of the cost of an eligible Level 2 charger and its installation, to a maximum of $350. If you also install an EV power management device, BC Hydro adds $200 to the same payment. You apply within 180 days of installation, with a permit number.
Who qualifies for the BC Hydro EV charger rebate?
The base rebate applies to single-family homes, row homes and duplexes. Homeowners and tenants can apply, and renters must submit a landlord consent form. The charger must be:
- A Level 2 unit (208V or 240V) with a NACS J3400 or SAE J1772 plug.
- New, purchased rather than leased, and bought from a Canadian supplier.
- A wall-mounted permanent installation in an occupied home.
- On BC Hydro's list of rebate-eligible models.
Tesla charging stations are no longer eligible. An electrical permit is mandatory, and a licensed contractor applies for it on your behalf. Condos, townhome complexes and apartments use a separate program, covered in strata EV charging in Victoria.
How do I claim the BC Hydro EV charger rebate?
- Buy an eligible charger. Check the model against BC Hydro's list first.
- Have it installed under a permit. If you hire a licensed contractor, they apply for the electrical permit.
- Collect your documents. With a licensed electrician you need the charger invoice with proof of payment, an itemized installation invoice, the electrical permit number and a photo of the installed station.
- Apply online within 180 days of installation. You need a BC Hydro account to use the application portal.
- Wait for review. BC Hydro pays within 90 days of approving the application.
You may see "90 days" quoted on other sites as the application deadline. On BC Hydro's page, 180 days is the window to apply and 90 days is how long payment takes after approval.
The documents depend on how the charger was installed:
| Route | Documents BC Hydro asks for |
|---|---|
| Licensed electrician | Charger invoice with proof of payment, itemized installation invoice, electrical permit number, photo of the installed station |
| Non-licensed installer | Charger invoice with proof of payment, inspection invoice with proof of payment, certificate of successful inspection, photo of the installed station |
| Existing 240V outlet | Charger invoice with proof of payment, photo of the installed station, confirmation of the original outlet permit |
If you do not use a licensed electrician, you need an inspection invoice and a certificate of successful inspection instead of a permit number. BC Hydro recommends a licensed electrician but does not make one mandatory for the rebate. Technical Safety BC, however, limits who can pull permits, which we explain in do I need a permit to install an EV charger in BC.
What costs are covered?
BC Hydro lists these as eligible:
- The purchase cost of the charger.
- Labour and construction costs for installation by a licensed electrician.
- Electrical and related permit costs.
- The cost of electrical design required for the charging station.
- The purchase cost of an EV power management device, if required.
Installation-only costs for a 240V outlet are excluded. If you already have a 240V outlet, you can skip the electrical work in the application but must confirm that a permit was obtained when the outlet was originally installed.
How does the $200 EV power management device rebate work?
BC Hydro offers $200 if you need an EV power management device, which can help you install a charger without upgrading your panel. You must be a BC Hydro customer in a detached home, row home, duplex or mobile home. The device and the charger must both be installed on or after December 1, 2023, with an approved electrical permit.
There is no separate application. You submit the charger rebate application, and if it is approved BC Hydro adds the $200 to the payment. For the engineering side of this choice, see EVEMS vs panel upgrade.
Is there a Peak Saver bonus too?
Separately, BC Hydro offers a $250 bonus credit on your next bill when you enroll an eligible smart EV charger in Peak Saver, plus a $50 reward for every season it stays enrolled. Only chargers with demand-response capability qualify, and BC Hydro asks you to allow roughly 10 business days for review after you enroll.
Can I combine rebates?
Yes, but BC Hydro caps the combined total so that incentives do not exceed the cost of the equipment and installation. BC Hydro's list of local top-ups shows a Saanich top-up only for apartment, condo and townhome complexes. It lists none for single-family homes in Saanich, and it names no top-ups for other Greater Victoria municipalities.
What does this mean for the total cost?
The rebate softens the bill but rarely erases it. For the cost side, read EV charger installation cost in Victoria. To get the charger assessed and installed under a permit, see our EV charger service and contact us.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the BC Hydro EV charger rebate?
Up to 50% of the cost of purchasing and installing an eligible Level 2 charger, to a maximum of $350, for single-family homes, row homes and duplexes. An extra $200 is available if you install an EV power management device.
What is the deadline to apply for the BC Hydro EV charger rebate?
You must apply within 6 months (180 days) of installation. The 90-day figure that appears in some places is how long BC Hydro takes to pay after it approves your application.
Do I need an electrical permit to get the rebate?
Yes. BC Hydro requires that an electrical permit is obtained. A licensed contractor applies for it for you, and you supply the permit number in your application.
Can tenants claim the EV charger rebate?
Yes. Tenants can apply but must provide BC Hydro's landlord consent form.
Is the Tesla charger eligible?
BC Hydro states that Tesla charging stations are no longer eligible for the rebate.
Sources
Last verified October 8, 2026. Rebates, codes and prices change; confirm with the program or Technical Safety BC before you rely on them.