mknox
Well-Known Member
It's a really good question worthy of some discussion. I would obviously like to see measures to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, but am sensitive to and aware of the concerns that some incentives are seen only as "perks for the rich". I can assure you that the provincial authorities are acutely aware of this as they don't want to be seen as giving breaks to those those who don't need it. There is even talk of removing the $8,500 rebate for cars costing over something like $50 or $60k (which essentially means Teslas).
As far as the $8,500 rebate goes, I've tried to put forth the view that the rebate is not really for the vehicle... it is an incentive to switch from fossil fuels to electricity and therefore it shouldn't matter if you make the switch in a Smart EV or a Tesla Model S. We'll see how that goes. There is still the prevailing view that anyone who can afford a Tesla doesn't need $8,500 from the government.
So... I would like to see some incentives and perks that aren't as "in your face" as, for example, HOV lane use is. Here are some thoughts:
Reduced annual registration fees for Green Plates (like currently exists for Northern Ontario residents);
Reduced or free parking in municipal parking lots (although that may be a municipality by municipality thing);
An Ontario Tax Credit on Income Taxes (reflecting the reduced societal costs of having cleaner air);
A "Super Off Peak" electricity rate for electric vehicles (could be mandated by the Ontario Energy Board);
Meaningful tax credits for businesses and employers who install public charging infrastructure.
...any other ideas?
