BC Scrap-It Program|How to Trade in Your Old Gas-Powered Vehicle for an Electric Vehicle

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Are you looking for a way to save money on fuel, reduce your carbon footprint, and enjoy the benefits of driving a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV)? If you live in British Columbia, you may be eligible for the BC Scrap-It Program, which offers generous incentives for trading in your old gas-powered vehicle for a new or used electric vehicle (EV) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

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The BC Scrap-It Program offers incentives of up to $6,000 for trading in an old gas-powered vehicle for a new or used ZEV or another incentive option.
To participate in the program, you need to check your eligibility, choose your incentive, apply online, scrap your vehicle, and buy a ZEV or claim your other incentive within the specified time frames.
You should also compare different ZEV models and features, consider the total cost of ownership and the available incentives, and plan your charging options and infrastructure before you buy a ZEV.

In this article, we will explain how the BC Scrap-It Program works, which vehicles are eligible, and how much you can get for your old vehicle. We will also share some tips and resources to help you choose the best ZEV for your needs and budget.

Before-and-after transition from a gas-powered car to an electric vehicle, highlighting the BC Scrap-It Program's environmental benefits. — Embrace the Future: From Gas-Powered to Electric with the BC Scrap-It Program.

Table of Contents

What is the BC Scrap-It Program?

The BC Scrap-It Program is a voluntary, not-for-profit initiative that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution from the transportation sector by encouraging British Columbians to replace their higher-polluting vehicles with cleaner forms of transportation¹.

The program provides financial incentives to help cover the cost of buying a new or used ZEV when you scrap your old vehicle. You can also opt for other incentives, such as an electric bike, a car share credit, a transit pass, or a cash payout, depending on your preferences and location.

The BC Scrap-It Program is funded by various sources, such as CleanBC, private funding arrangements, and the sale of scrap metal and parts from retired vehicles.

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How to participate in the BC Scrap-It Program?

To participate in the BC Scrap-It Program, you need to follow these steps:

Check your eligibility. To qualify for the program, you need to meet the following criteria:
- You must be a resident of British Columbia and have a valid driver’s license.
- You must own and insure a 2005 or older model year vehicle that is in running condition and has been registered and insured in BC for at least six months.
- You must trade in your vehicle for an eligible ZEV or another incentive option the program offers.
- You must apply for the program online and receive a confirmation email before you scrap your vehicle or buy a ZEV.
Choose your incentive. The BC Scrap-It Program offers different incentives depending on the type of ZEV or alternative transportation option you choose. The incentives are as follows:
- New ZEV: You can get up to $6,000 towards the purchase or lease of a new battery electric vehicle (BEV) or hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (HFCV) from a participating dealership. You can also get up to $3,000 towards the purchase or lease of a new plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) from a participating dealership. The amount of the incentive depends on the electric range and the base MSRP of the vehicle. You can check the list of eligible ZEVs and their incentive amounts on the Transport Canada website.
- Used ZEV: You can get $3,000 towards the purchase of a used BEV, PHEV, or HFCV from a participating dealership. The vehicle must be less than eight years old and have an odometer reading of less than 100,000 km. You can check the list of eligible ZEVs and their incentive amounts on the Transport Canada website.
- Electric bike: You can get $1,050 towards the purchase of a qualifying electric bike from a participating retailer. The electric bike must have a maximum speed of 32 km/h and a battery capacity of less than 500 Wh. You can check the list of eligible electric bikes and their incentive amounts on the Scrap-It website.
- Car share or transit pass: You can get a $500 credit with a limited number of car shares in BC, such as Modo, Kootenay Carshare Co-op, Coast Car Co-Op, or Spark Car Share. Alternatively, if you live in Victoria, you can get an 11-month BC Transit Ecopass for the Victoria region, worth approximately $880. You can check the list of eligible car share and transit options and their incentive amounts on the Scrap-It website.
- Cash payout: You can get a $100 cash payout for scrapping a vehicle that does not qualify for any of the above incentives, such as a fuel-efficient model of 2002 or newer, a hybrid vehicle of 2002 or newer, or a vehicle that has been registered and insured for less than six months. You can check the list of vehicles that do not qualify for the program on the Scrap-It website.
Apply online. Once you have chosen your incentive option, you need to apply online through the Scrap-It website. You will need to provide some information about yourself, your old vehicle, and your chosen incentive. You will also need to upload some documents, such as your driver’s license, your vehicle registration and insurance papers, and your proof of residency. After you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email with a reference number and further instructions. You must apply online and receive a confirmation email before you scrap your vehicle or buy a ZEV.
Scrap your vehicle. After you receive your confirmation email, you need to take your old vehicle to an authorized dismantler within 30 days. You will need to bring your confirmation email, your vehicle registration and insurance papers, and your license plates. The dismantler will verify your information, remove and recycle your vehicle, and issue you a receipt. You must scrap your vehicle before you buy a ZEV or claim your other incentive.
Buy a ZEV or claim your other incentive. After you scrap your vehicle, you can buy a ZEV or claim your other incentive within 60 days. You will need to bring your confirmation email, your receipt from the dismantler, and your proof of purchase or lease of the ZEV or other incentive. Depending on your chosen incentive, you will need to visit a participating dealership, retailer, car share, or transit provider to complete the transaction. You will receive your incentive amount as a point-of-sale discount, a credit, or a prepaid card.

Which vehicles are eligible for the BC Scrap-It Program?

The BC Scrap-It Program offers incentives for a wide range of ZEVs, including BEVs, PHEVs, and HFCVs. The vehicles must meet the following criteria to be eligible¹:

They must meet all of Canada’s Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, where applicable.
They must be meant for use on public streets, roads, and highways, and have at least four functioning wheels and be able to drive on a highway (in other words, not a low-speed vehicle).
They must be available for order, purchase, or lease in Canada.
They must have a base MSRP of less than $77,000 for BEVs and HFCVs or less than $55,000 for PHEVs.

The Transport Canada website provides a list of eligible ZEVs and their incentive amounts, which is updated regularly. Some of the popular ZEV models that qualify for the program are:

Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Hyundai Ioniq Electric and Plug-in Hybrid, Kona Electric, and Nexo
Kia Niro EV and Plug-in Hybrid, and Soul EV
Nissan Leaf and Leaf Plus
Tesla Model 3
Toyota Prius Prime and RAV4 Prime
Volkswagen ID.4

How much can you get for your old vehicle?

The amount of the incentive you can get for your old vehicle depends on the type of ZEV or alternative transportation option you choose.

Incentive option	Incentive amount
New BEV or HFCV	Up to $6,000
New PHEV	Up to $3,000
Used BEV, PHEV, or HFCV	$3,000
Electric bike	$1,050
Car share or transit pass	$500 to $880
Cash payout	$100

^{The incentives range from $100 to $6,000, as shown in the table.}

The incentive amount for a new ZEV varies depending on the electric range and the base MSRP of the vehicle.

Electric range	Base MSRP	Incentive amount
Greater than or equal to 50 km	Less than or equal to $55,000	$5,000
Greater than or equal to 50 km	Greater than $55,000 and less than or equal to $77,000	$3,000
Less than 50 km	Less than or equal to $55,000	$2,500

^{The table shows the incentive amounts for different categories of new ZEVs.}

The incentive amount for a new or used ZEV is in addition to the federal iZEV Program, which offers up to $5,000 for eligible ZEV purchases or leases⁷. This means that you can potentially get up to $11,000 in total incentives for buying a new ZEV, or up to $8,000 for buying a used ZEV, when you trade in your old gas-powered vehicle.

Tips and resources for choosing a ZEV

Choosing a ZEV can be a rewarding and exciting experience, but it can also be overwhelming and confusing, given the variety of models, features, and prices available. To help you make an informed decision, here are some tips and resources to consider:

Assess your driving needs and preferences. Before you start shopping for a ZEV, you should think about how you use your vehicle, such as how often you drive, how far you travel, where you park, and what kind of terrain and weather conditions you encounter. You should also consider your personal preferences, such as the size, style, comfort, and performance of the vehicle. These factors will help you narrow down your options and choose a ZEV that meets your needs and expectations.
Compare different ZEV models and features. Once you have a general idea of what kind of ZEV you want, you should compare different models and features to find the best value and fit for you. You can use online tools, such as the Plug’n Drive EV Discovery Centre, the Electric Vehicle Explorer, or the Electric Vehicle Database, to compare various aspects of ZEVs, such as the electric range, battery capacity, charging time, price, warranty, safety ratings, and customer reviews. You can also visit participating dealerships, test drive different ZEVs, and ask questions to the sales staff.
Consider the total cost of ownership and the available incentives. Buying a ZEV is not only an environmental choice, but also a financial one. You should consider the total cost of ownership and the available incentives when choosing a ZEV. The total cost of ownership includes the purchase or lease price, the maintenance and repair costs, the insurance and registration fees, and the fuel and electricity costs. The available incentives include the BC Scrap-It Program, the federal iZEV Program, and other provincial and local programs that may offer rebates, tax credits, or discounts for ZEV purchases or leases. You can use online calculators, such as the Plug’n Drive EV Savings Calculator, the CAA Driving Costs Calculator, or the BC Hydro EV Cost Calculator, to estimate the total cost of ownership and the available incentives for different ZEV models.
Plan your charging options and infrastructure. One of the most important aspects of owning a ZEV is charging it. You should plan your charging options and infrastructure before you buy a ZEV. You should decide whether you want to charge your ZEV at home, at work, or at public stations, and what level of charging you need. You should also check the availability and accessibility of charging stations in your area and along your routes. You can use online maps, such as the PlugShare Map, the ChargeHub Map, or the BC Hydro EV Charging Station Map, to locate and filter charging stations by type, network, availability, and price. You should also consider the cost and installation of a home charging station, if you choose to charge your ZEV at home. You can consult an electrician, a contractor, or a ZEV dealer for advice and assistance on installing a home charging station.

Conclusion

The BC Scrap-It Program is a great opportunity for British Columbians to trade in their old gas-powered vehicles for a new or used ZEV or another incentive option. The program offers incentives of up to $6,000 for ZEV purchases or leases, in addition to the federal iZEV Program and other provincial and local programs. By participating in the program, you can save money on fuel, maintenance, and insurance, reduce your greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, and enjoy the benefits of driving a ZEV.

If you are interested in the BC Scrap-It Program, you should check your eligibility, choose your incentive, apply online, scrap your vehicle, and buy a ZEV or claim your other incentive within the specified time frames. You should also compare different ZEV models and features, consider the total cost of ownership and the available incentives, and plan your charging options and infrastructure before you buy a ZEV.

We hope this article has given you some useful information and tips on how to trade in your old gas-powered vehicle for a ZEV with the BC Scrap-It Program. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us at HustleHub. We are always happy to hear from our fellow Hustlers and help them achieve their goals. 😊