Surprise! Tesla Model 3 Now Qualifies for $5,000 Federal Rebate in Canada, Starting Today

Last month, the federal government announced details of their $5,000 federal rebate program for electric vehicles, which sadly did not qualify the Tesla Model 3 because the base starting price was higher than the $45,000, just past the program’s cut off.

However, that has changed, as Tesla has modified their base Model 3 pricing on the Standard Range model to $44,999, making it qualify for the federal rebate program. The Model 3 Standard Range Plus also qualifies for the program too, priced at $53,700, because it’s considered a higher priced trim of the model.

Here are the two Tesla Model 3 configurations eligible for the $5,000 federal EV rebate, according to automaker:

2019 Model 3 Standard Range

• 150km range
• Price: $44,999 before delivery centre fees and EV savings
• Must call or visit a Tesla store to order

2019 Model 3 Standard Range Plus

• 386km range
• Price: $53,700 before delivery centre fees and EV savings
• Order online from Tesla.com

The base model Standard Range Tesla Model 3 has a tiny software-limited 150km range and after a $5,000 federal rebate and $5,000 rebate in B.C., it would cost you $34,999. After the federal rebate and $8,000 in Quebec, the car would cost $31,999.

Most likely, Tesla wants customers to buy the Model 3 Standard Range Plus, as you can order it easily online and it costs more than the base Standard Range.

The federal government rebate website says the $5,000 amount is applied on an outright purchase or 48-month lease. Leasing for the Model 3 is unavailable in Canada, but is possible in the United States.

Wording within the federal EV rebate program says:

“To be eligible for the Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles program, you have to purchase or lease:

• a vehicle with six seats or fewer, where the base model (trim) Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is less than $45,000;
• higher priced versions (trims) of these vehicles, up to a maximum Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $55,000, will also be eligible for purchase incentives”

Tesla has made its base Model 3 $1 below the $45,000 starting price limit, therefore qualifying the higher trim Model 3 Standard Range Plus.

Are you going to be ordering a Tesla Model 3 today? If you’re in BC or Quebec, the provincial rebate plus the federal rebate makes for a decent discount.

[via RFD]