Since 2012, the Quebec government has introduced the “Roulez Vert” program, which helps consumers and automotive brands achieve their carbon neutrality objectives.
With this in mind, buyers benefit from a rebate of up to $7,000 on the purchase of a new or used hybrid or electric vehicle.
However, as we've seen in Europe over the past few months, these aids are becoming increasingly scarce, even disappearing in Germany.
It was only a matter of time before the Quebec government announced, in its own budget, the gradual withdrawal of rebates from the Go Green program as of January 1, 2025.
Why were government rebates introduced?
With Western governments aiming to reduce the environmental impact of internal combustion engines, a consensus has emerged to ban the sale of fossil-fuelled vehicles by 2035.
With this objective in mind, electric vehicles seemed the most promising alternative. However, the cost of manufacturing batteries has had a negative effect on vehicle prices at dealerships.
On average, it cost 30% more to buy an electric vehicle than its internal combustion counterpart - enough to dampen the motivation of potential buyers to take the plunge.
So, to reduce barriers to purchase, various Western governments have introduced rebates. In Canada (including Quebec), there are two incentives:
- The Go Green program
- The iVZE program (zero-emission vehicles)
Today, it's fair to say that these programs have been a success, with market shares for alternative-fuel vehicles increasing year on year. By the last quarter of 2023, more than one in five new vehicles sold in Quebec was electric, meaning there were now more than 240,000 vehicles on the province's roads.
However, this government rebate would no longer be as necessary as before, insofar as its original aim was “to kick-start the electrification of the car fleet in Quebec.”
This incentive was needed to kick-start the electrification of Quebec's vehicle fleet in a context where few models were available, their capacities were more limited and the recharging network was emerging,” the budget documents state. Now, consumers have shown a growing interest in these vehicles, whose purchase is more attractive thanks to market development, technologies and a gradual narrowing of the cost differential.”
As a result, government rebates will be significantly reduced from 2025 - potentially affecting the future purchase of your Volvo.
What are the new government rebates for electric and hybrid vehicles in 2025?
For electric vehicles, the maximum subsidy of $7,000 will drop to $4,000 next year, then to $2,000 in 2026, before being abolished for good in 2027. For a used 100% electric vehicle, it will be $2,000 in 2025, then $1,000 in 2026.
On the subject of hybrid vehicles, the rebate will be reduced from $5,000 to $2,000 as of 2025 for vehicles with an MSRP of less than $65,000.
Finally, it's worth remembering that electric vehicles will continue to be eligible for the federal government's $5,000 rebate (iZVE program) until March 31, 2025, “or until the funds run out”.
Electric and hybrid Volvos eligible for new government rebates in 2025
As we can see from this article, buying a Volvo with alternative combustion in 2025 is likely to cost more than in 2024. With this in mind, buying a 2024 or 2025 model before the end of the year could be an interesting choice.
Here are the models currently available.
The Volvo EC40 (single and twin engine)
In its Core, Plus, Ultra and Ultra Black Edition versions, the Volvo EC40 2025 (single and twin motor) is available with government rebates of up to $12,000 if the vehicle is delivered before January 1, 2025, or up to $9,000 after that date.
The Volvo EX30 (single and twin motor)
A newcomer to the Volvo range, the EX30 is the vehicle most representative of what an electric car should be - compact, made from recycled materials and with all the comforts of everyday use.
Whether in Core, Plus or Ultra trim, the Volvo EX30 benefits from all government rebates of $12,000 until the end of 2024.
The Volvo EX40 (single and twin motor)
Finally, the last electric vehicle in the Volvo range to benefit from government rebates is the Volvo EX40.
In Single or Twin Motor, Core, Plus or Ultra versions, you can benefit from a rebate of up to $12,000 in 2024 or $9,000 in 2025.
The Volvo S60 plug-in hybrid
Want to drive a Volvo plug-in hybrid?
In the Core, Plus, Ultra and Ultimate Black Edition versions, the Volvo S60 Plug-in Hybrid 2025 is also available with a rebate of $5,000 in 2024 or $2,000 if you take possession of the vehicle on or after January 1, 2025.
The Volvo XC60 plug-in hybrid
Finally, for families who need more space, the Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid is also available at various discounts, equivalent to those of the Volvo S60 Plug-in Hybrid.
Discounts remaining in 2025 and beyond
Despite the end of the subsidy for the purchase of electric vehicles under the Roulez vert program in 2027, the Quebec government assures us that it will continue to invest in the electrification of transport, targeting more specifically measures for electric vehicle recharging.
As a result, subsidies for electric charging stations will be maintained at $600 for homes and $5,000 for workplaces or multi-unit dwellings.
A few final words
In any case, it's important to know that it's entirely possible to take possession of a 2025 Volvo in 2024. You'll benefit from the model updates you're interested in, and at the same time get the most attractive discount.
But don't delay too long! With the announcement of this reduction, stocks available for sale are rapidly becoming limited. The best thing to do is to check online or contact a sales representative directly.
*The information in this article is current at the time of publication. Changes may be made without notice.
