Should you buy an EV now or wait for 2027? The federal Electric Vehicle Affordability Program (EVAP) rebate drops from $5,000 to $4,000 on January 1, 2027. This change affects every eligible battery-electric vehicle in Canada.
How the Rebate Cut Works
The incentive amount depends on when the dealership submits the eligibility assessment, not the delivery date. If your dealer submits the claim in 2026, you can still receive the full $5,000 even if the car arrives in early 2027 (within the 90-day window). After January 1, the maximum falls to $4,000.
Plug-in hybrids also drop from $2,500 to $2,000. The rebate continues to decline gradually through 2031.
Buy EV Now or Wait?
Buy now if:
- You find a good deal on an eligible model under $50,000 final transaction price
- You want the full $5,000 rebate
- Quebec’s Roulez vert rebate (up to $2,000) is still available until December 31, 2026
Wait if:
- You are not in a rush
- You expect bigger manufacturer discounts in early 2027
- You are waiting for specific new models or Chinese EVs
Most experts suggest buying before the end of 2026 if a suitable vehicle is available. The $1,000 difference is real money, and current inventory deals on models like the Nissan Leaf S, Kia EV3, and Fiat 500e remain strong.
Quick Tips
Confirm with your dealer that they will submit the EVAP assessment in 2026. Check the official list of eligible vehicles on the Transport Canada website. Quebec buyers should move faster because their provincial rebate ends on December 31.
You can also compare current offers on NextEV or view our best EV deals Canada November 2026 guide.
Are you planning to buy an EV before the 2027 rebate cut?