Charging Stations Incentive

Apply by June 27, 2012 for the early bird review and selection process.
The final deadline for applications is September 28, 2012, with all approvals subject to funding availability. You can apply through our online Charging Stations Incentive Application Form.

The Charging Stations Incentive is available to help fund a network of up to 570 level 2 electric vehicle charging stations across BC that are strategically located and accessible for public or fleet use.

Are you ready to host a charging station? Read on — then see how to apply.

Who is eligible to apply for funding?

Eligible applicants include regional districts, municipal governments, First Nations, public institutions (including universities, health authorities, transportation authorities), non-government organizations and private businesses with operations in British Columbia where the charging stations would be located. Applicants are welcome to partner in a joint proposal.

The fund is not available to fund charging stations for individual or residential use. Visit the LiveSmart BC website to learn about other provincial clean transportation incentives.

What funding is available under the Charging Station Incentive?
What does the applicant pay?

An applicant can receive funding for 75% of eligible costs related to the purchase and installation of an eligible level 2 (240 volt) electric vehicle charging station that is accessible for public or fleet use, to a maximum of $4,000 per station.

The applicant is responsible to pay the balance of all costs of the purchase and installation of the station and any other costs, including those related to care and maintenance of the station.

Are there other eligibility criteria?

To be eligible for funding, an applicant must have title or ownership of the proposed site or facility for the charging station, or have written approval from the owner for the installation.

The applicant must also:

• purchase equipment from approved suppliers and install the station by March 31, 2013
• keep the station in service for a minimum of five years
• apply for local government, utility and electrical permits and approvals needed to install the station
• use standard signage, as provided by the Province of BC
• share data on energy consumption with the Province of BC and utilities
• cooperate with any community-wide or regional planning process that is underway
• make the location of the station (other than a fleet location) available on specified online maps or mobile applications
• share the applicant's experience for case study research (up to an hour interview on the experience)
• file a final report to the Fraser Basin Council.

These requirements will be included in the funding contribution agreement and are outlined in the Charging Stations Incentive Application Form.

How will an application be evaluated?

Each application will be reviewed to ensure it meets the eligibility criteria and will be evaluated by a Selection Committee against additional evaluation criteria. These include: the strategic location of the station, public accessibility and exposure of the station (unless a fleet station), an applicant’s plans to promote the station, and other plans or policies that reflect an applicant’s commitment to electric vehicles or climate change mitigation: see the online Charging Stations Incentive Application Form.

See also: Application and Evaluation Process.

What is the application deadline?*

The early bird deadline is June 27, 2012. Applications received between May 30 and June 27, 2012 will be considered during an early bird review and selection process. Applicants will be notified of the Selection Committee's decision by the end of July. Note: Early-Bird Deadline has now passed.

All other applications must be received no later than September 28, 2012. Applications received between June 28 and September 28 will be reviewed between August 1 and October 31, 2012 and approvals will be subject to funding availability. Applicants will be notified of the Selection Committee's decision by early November.

See also: How to Apply and Application and Evaluation Process.

Can a community apply for funding under the Charging Station Incentive and also under the Planning Incentive?

Yes, if a community applicant (regional district, municipal government or First Nation) has already identified one or more priority sites where it would like to install a charging station, the applicant can apply for the Charging Stations Incentive without delay.

Such an applicant is also welcome to apply under the Planning Incentive if it wishes to undertake a planning process to identify additional priority sites across a region or community.

Can an applicant receive funding for more than one charging station?

Yes. Each station site will be evaluated on its merits according to the evaluation criteria.

What are eligible costs?

Costs related to the purchase and installation of a level 2 electric vehicle charging station are eligible for funding. Examples of eligible costs include (but are not limited to):

• construction costs and material purchases required for charging station installation
• electric vehicle charging equipment
• trades (e.g., electrician)
• electrical or other permits
• signage, and
• detailed electrical or engineering design.

Examples of ineligible costs include:

• policy development
• general research studies
• HST
• property taxes
• repairs to existing systems
• purchase of land, and
• hospitality (food and beverages).

What charging stations are eligible?

A list of eligible suppliers and charging stations under the CCI Fund is available from the Province of BC. You'll find the list in the Electric Vehicle Toolkit, on the LiveSmart BC website.

Where can I learn more?

If you have questions about the Charging Stations Incentive, please contact us.