Government rebates ‘good start,’ says electric vehicle advocate

“It’s a good start,” Cruickshank said of the rebate program which came into effect Wednesday. “There have been a few struggles with the low cap they set for vehicle prices. They’ve worked through some of those issues now.”

The rebate takes up to $5,000 off the cost of electric vehicles and $2,500 off some hybrids priced under $55,000.

Cruickshank started Sask. EV in 2018 while shopping for his own electric vehicle. He now helps raise awareness in the province.

“I still get the comments where we’ll be doing a car show and someone will ask, ‘Did you bring the vehicle up from California?’ ” he said. “I don’t think everyone knows they’re available here yet.”

He now tracks electric models coming into the province on the group’s website, as well as locations for charging stations.

Cruickshank said affordability of electric vehicles compared to their gasoline-powered counterparts remains the biggest obstacle he hears about. There’s also a need for more infrastructure, such as faster charging stations.

“We’re just starting to see those coming into the province,” he said. “We’ve got one in Saskatoon and one in Regina and we should see a good number more in the coming year.”

Cruickshank said he predicts a steady uptake toward electric in the province as companies make electric trucks and SUVs.

by Brent Bosker/CKOM News Staff

Government rebates ‘good start,’ says electric vehicle advocate

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