BC Hydro and the Government of British Columbia offer rebates to help eligible multi-unit residential buildings install electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. This includes financial support not only for EV chargers, but also for the necessary electrical upgrades that make a building “EV Ready.”

At BES, we assist strata councils, property managers, and building owners in navigating this rebate process. As a BC Hydro approved consultant, we help you:

• assess your building,

• plan your upgrades, and

• submit the required documentation to receive maximum funding.

EV charger rebates are financial incentives offered by utilities such as BC Hydro and FortisBC to support the installation of EV charging infrastructure in multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs), including condominiums, apartments, and townhouses. These rebates help lower the upfront cost of upgrading electrical systems and installing Level 2 chargers for shared or individual use.

There are three types of rebates available to support various stages of installation, from planning to charger purchase. These can be utilized together or separately, depending on your building's needs.

EV-Ready Plan Rebate

This rebate supports the cost of a professional EV Ready plan created by a licensed electrical contractor or engineer, which outlines how every unit can access at least one EV Ready parking stall and may include added insights like- utility bill impact and maintenance needs. It:

• covers up to 75% of planning costs,

• has a maximum of $3,000, and

• is required before applying for infrastructure rebates.

EV-Charger Rebate

This rebate helps offset the purchase and installation costs of Level 2 EV chargers and can be used independently of the EV Ready rebates. It:

• covers up to 50% of charger costs,

• has a maximum of $2,000 per charger or $1,400 if the EV Ready infrastructure rebate was used,

• has a total cap of $14,000 per complex, and

• counts dual-port chargers as two.

Pre-approval from BC Hydro is required before beginning any work or purchasing equipment. That’s why working with a qualified consultant like BES ensures your application meets all requirements from the start.

Strata councils & building owners of townhome complexes, condominiums, or apartment buildings built before August 31, 2021, may be eligible for BC Hydro EV charger rebates. Buildings constructed after this date or those already compliant with municipal EV Ready bylaws are not eligible.

To qualify, applicants must:

• Receive pre-approval from BC Hydro before purchasing or installing any equipment.

• Hire certified electricians and secure the required permits.

• Set up chargers that comply with the technical specifications of the program.

Our engineers specialize in supporting multi-unit residential buildings through BC Hydro’s EV rebate programs. We provide:

• Clear guidance through every step of the rebate application and installation process

• Customized strategies to maximize your building’s EV readiness.

• Expert assistance to ensure compliance with program rules and technical standards.

Make your building ready for the growing demand for electric vehicles while reducing your carbon footprint. Contact BES today to learn more about EV charger rebates for multi-family homes and begin your application.