The federal authorities is broadening its monetary help for zero-emission automobiles past the patron market by way of a $550-million incentive program that can assist companies purchase or lease electrical business automobiles starting from full-sized pickups to semitrucks.

Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra launched the Medium- and Heavy-Responsibility Zero-Emission Autos (iMHZEV) program at a press convention in London, Ont. July 11, describing the initiative as a “win-win-win” for companies, the setting and Canada’s auto business.

“In the present day’s announcement is about ensuring that Canadian companies and leaders of our communities have the choices they should remodel their fleets to zero-emission automobiles,” Alghabra mentioned in a launch.

Transport Canada mentioned the four-year program is designed to make up about 50 per cent of the worth distinction between a standard gasoline or diesel business car and a ZEV. It’s one a part of Ottawa’s plan to transform all gross sales of medium- and heavy-duty automobiles to zero-emissions by 2040.

In contrast to the Incentives for Zero-Emission Autos (iZEV) program, the comparable initiative for shoppers that gives a flat $2,500 off plug-in hybrids or $5,000 off battery-electric automobiles, the iMHZEV program takes a tiered strategy.

Class 2B ZEVs, a class encompassing full-size pickups and utility vans weighing between 8,501 and 10,000 kilos (3,856 and 4,536 kilograms) are eligible for an incentive of as much as $10,000. Class 3 vans and vans with curb weights of between 10,001 and 14,000 kilos (4,537 and 6,350 kilograms) may obtain as a lot as $40,000.

The worth of the inducement is set by the time period of the lease. Autos purchased outright or leased for 48 months are eligible for the total quantity.

This system is out there to companies, governments, and different organizations, and the inducement is utilized on the point-of sale.

Bigger lessons of vans, vans and buses are eligible for a lot extra. Zero-emission Class 8 semitrucks may obtain as much as $150,000 from Ottawa, whereas coach buses may rise up to $200,000.