Businesses and Communities in B.C.: Get Up to $80,000 per Port for EV Fast Charging Through the CleanBC Public Charger Program

Electric vehicle adoption is accelerating rapidly across British Columbia, creating an unprecedented demand for reliable public charging infrastructure. For municipalities, businesses, Indigenous communities, and not-for-profits, the CleanBC Go Electric Public Charger Program presents a massive opportunity to deploy high-powered EV charging stations—with government subsidies covering a substantial share of the costs.

However, time is of the essence. The next deadline for review is fast approaching on September 18 2026, and funding is highly competitive.

Here is a detailed look at what the program offers, how to bypass standard procurement headaches, and how to get your application moving today.

What Is the CleanBC Go Electric Public Charger Program?

The CleanBC Go Electric Public Charger Program is a provincial financial assistance initiative designed to increase the number of public Direct Current Fast Charger (DCFC) stations throughout British Columbia.

The primary goal is to fill geographic gaps in the province’s public charging network — specifically prioritizing Indigenous communities, rural and northern areas, and highly populated city centres that are experiencing long queues for fast chargers due to the high uptake of zero-emission vehicles. For organizations across B.C., this means you can secure substantial funding to bring high-speed, publicly accessible EV charging to your community, retail centre, or public facility.

Available Funding for Public Charging Projects

The program provides tiered rebates based on the power output of the charging stations, ensuring that high-capacity fast charging is financially viable to deploy.

1. Standard Rebates — Up to $80,000 per Port

For general applicants (businesses, local governments, and non-profits), the program covers up to 50% of eligible project costs. Depending on the fast charger’s power output, you can receive varying rebates up to $80,000 per charge port.

2. Enhanced Funding for Indigenous Communities — Up to $130,000 per Port

To ensure equitable access to EV infrastructure across all regions, the program offers increased financial support for Indigenous communities. These applicants are eligible for enhanced rebates covering up to 90% of total project costs, up to a maximum of $130,000 per charge port.

Eligible Costs

The funding can be applied to a wide range of expenses to get your fast chargers operational, including:

• EV Charger purchase

• Installation costs (labour and materials)

• Necessary electrical equipment (cabling, conduit, transformers)

• Earthworks and paving of one parking space per charger

• Utility provider fees for electrical connection

• Network service provider initial sign-up fees

• Project management and engineering design fees

Here’s a breakdown of the incentives available:

Eligibility Requirements

Who Can Apply?

Applications can be submitted by organizations located and operating in B.C., including:

• Businesses (for-profit)

• Not-for-profits and non-governmental organizations

• Local governments and municipalities

• Indigenous communities and organizations

• Public sector organizations (e.g., Crown corporations, utilities, health authorities)

Note: Core provincial government ministries are excluded from applying.

Charger and Location Requirements

To qualify for funding, your project must meet specific criteria:

• Charger Type: Must be new, publicly accessible Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFC). The Program will provide rebates for up to two level 2 chargers per project. Level 2 charger rebate amounts are limited to a maximum of 75% of eligible project costs (90% for Indigenous communities).

• Accessibility: The program prioritizes locations that are highly accessible to the public, such as community and recreation centres, libraries, highway rest stops, park-and-ride stations, and retail centres.

• Targeting Network Gaps: Priority is given to projects that address current gaps in B.C.’s charging network, particularly in rural, northern, and First Nation communities, or in urban areas where current fast chargers are severely congested.

The Application Process

Securing funding through the CleanBC program involves a few key steps. It is critical to follow the sequence carefully, as costs incurred before approval are not eligible for reimbursement.

1. Plan your project — Determine the best location, assess your site’s electrical capacity, and obtain quotes for eligible equipment, network services, and installation work.

2. Submit your application — Apply online via the Plug In BC application portal before starting any work. You must include your project budget and site details.

3. Wait for approval — You must receive official program approval before any costs are incurred or contracts are signed.

4. Complete the installation — Once approved, you have up to 18 months to complete the project, install the stations, and submit your final documentation.

5. Receive your rebate — Submit your final invoices and proof of payment. Financial assistance is paid once your final documentation is approved.

Why Act Now?

The CleanBC Go Electric Public Charger Program is a merit-based initiative with a finite funding envelope, meaning it will only accept applications until the funding is depleted. The application is open (as of July 20, 2026) and accepting project submissions until 11:59pm on September 18, 2026.

Because funding is highly competitive, it is strongly recommended to apply as soon as possible. With EV adoption in British Columbia leading the country, installing public fast chargers now not only allows you to take advantage of available funding, but it also establishes your location as a prime, high-traffic destination for the growing number of EV drivers on the road.