The automotive landscape is changing in Prince Edward Island, and Kia fully intends to be at the forefront of that change.
The all-electric Kia EV6 is a powerhouse utility vehicle with gobs of torque and some of the fastest charging times in the world. The provincial and federal governments are on board with significant rebates for electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. And the 2022 Kia Sorento PHEV is set to land in driveways at essentially the same cost as its non-plug-in Sorento siblings.
* As of Monday, January 13, 2024, the federal government has suspended the federal iZEV incentive.
If you want to learn more about the Sorento PHEV in particular – how it works, what a plug-in hybrid is, how much it costs, how the battery is charged, how the backup engine operates, and how efficient it is – click here.
If, however, you want to understand how government incentives will work for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles in Prince Edward Island, we have a long list of frequently asked questions below.
FAQS
Are All Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles Eligible?
For new vehicles, PEI follows Transport Canada's guidelines for PHEV eligibility, which means the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the entry-level vehicle in a model lineup must be under $45,000. (Upper trim levels from the same model line can qualify provided they're priced under $55,000 for 6-seat vehicles and under $60,000 for 7-seat vehicles.)
For pre-owned vehicles, the price must be $55,000 or less. Pre-owned vehicles from 2012 or before are ineligible.
Do All Incentives Apply To Pre-Owned Vehicles, As Well?
The $2,500 PEI Universal EV Incentive for PHEVs applies to either new or used plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The Federal Zero-Emission Vehicle Incentive is for new vehicles only.
Can I Lease A Vehicle And Still Get The Discount?
Yes! When leasing new plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, both the provincial and federal incentives apply at the same rate. On a lease of 48 months or more, the full $2,500 incentives apply (for a total of $5,000). On a 36-month lease, there's an $1,875 incentive (totalling $3,750). The incentives on a 24-month lease are $1,250 (for a $2,500 total). The incentives on a 12-month lease are $625 (or $1,250 in total.)
When Do I Get My Rebate?
The incentives are applied at the point of sale and are applied directly to the total cost of the vehicle after tax. Plus, we complete the paperwork – there's no added layer of complication to you, the customer. In other words, if a new vehicle's total cost is $40,000, the taxes-in total is $46,000. That would then be reduced to $43,500 with the provincial incentive and then $41,000 with the incentive!
Can My Business Purchase Multiple PHEVs Vehicles And Receive Multiple Incentives?
Yes! The provincial government has made clear that "organizations, non-profits, and private businesses" can claim up to five incentives per year.
Do I Have To Pay For A Home Charger?
No. Shortly after all of the documentation is received by the provincial government from the dealer, the province will have a level two charger delivered to your home by courier. Individuals will be responsible to have the level two home charging station installed by a professional electrician.
Won't People Just Work The System By Claiming Rebates And Trading In On Something Else?
Whether the math would even work is up for debate, but no, there are no workarounds to take advantage of the Universal EV incentive. In PEI, there are three factors that must be fulfilled: 12 months after taking possession, the new or pre-owned PHEV must still be plated, registered, and insured in PEI in the original buyer's name. If at some point during those 12 months lifestyle changes force you to sell or trade your vehicle, you will not have to return the entire incentive. "The applicant will be required to pay back a prorated amount," the province says. In other words, half the amount would need to be paid back if the vehicle was kept for only six months.
Can I Cross The Bridge, Buy A PHEV In PEI, And Return To The Mainland?
Sure! We're happy to help you acquire a new or pre-owned plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. But you won't be able to claim the PEI Universal EV Incentive, which is open only to PEI residents or non-profits, businesses, public agencies, or other entities "operating or registered in PEI." However, the federal $2,500 incentive applies across Canada.
Is It Easy To Find A Charger?
Yes! Besides the level 2 home charger that's included with the purchase/lease of your new or pre-owned plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, ChargeHub.com is a great website for finding charging stations across North America. Naturally, there's even an app for your phone. ChargeHub lets you see whether a charger is available or busy, what kind of charger it is (Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 fast charger), and even which kind of outlets the charger offers. ChargeHub goes further and even lets you plan routes round conveniently located charging stations, whether you never leave the Island or you're planning a trip across the country.
How Much Does It Cost To Charge?
At current Maritime Electric rates, a level 2 charger at home will be using electricity at a rate of $0.1492/kW. In a worst-case scenario (a completely depleted battery), a 2022 Kia Sorento PHEV with a 13.8 kWh battery would cost around $2.06 to charge, and it would take a couple of hours.
But what if you're out and about in the community or driving to the mainland? Presently, most level 2 chargers in PEI are free to use; some cost $2.00/hour.
Where Are PEI's Chargers?
They're everywhere! As of September 29, 2021, Prince Edward Island is home to eight fast charging stations in Souris, Wood Islands, Charlottetown, Borden-Carleton, Summerside, and O'Leary. There are level 2 charging stations all across PEI, as well, including 18 in and around Summerside and 18 in the greater Charlottetown area. These numbers are growing all the time, with new charging stations popping up recently along the north shore in the PEI National Park.
Learn more about the 2022 Kia Sorento PHEV and how plug-in hybrids work here. Check out our Niro PHEV page here.
