The Canadian Government Wants You to Buy a Hybrid

The Canadian Government Wants You to Buy a Hybrid

Americans, take note, for the Canadians have figured something out first. The Canadian government is offering cash rebates to anyone who purchases a hybrid vehicle to the tune of $2,000 in cold, hard, equivalently valued Canadian cash.

The Reasoning behind Two Grand

It’s no secret that hybrid vehicles are more efficient and environmentally conscious than their gasoline powered brethren. They manage to go further using less fuel and they have lower emissions and less harmful waste. It only makes sense that a government dedicated towards meeting future emissions goals would offer such an incentive.

For a buyer, the main drawback to a hybrid vehicle is the cost, typically, a hybrid costs $3,000 more than a non-hybrid and many people are not convinced that the Hybrid will equate to $3,000 in fuel savings over the period of time in which they will own the vehicle. The Canadian government has essentially removed the price difference, making the choice between a hybrid and a non-hybrid an easy one to make, so let your conscious guide the way.

The (Hopeful) Result

The Canadian government has a lot riding on this rebate. The expense to the government is currently unknown, as Hybrid vehicles are new entrants to the market, and their popularity is rising steadily every year. Whereas you used to be able to spot an Insight or Prius from down the street, Hybrid versions of popular vehicles are beginning to spring up and look the same.

Critics argue that the government is offering too much of a financial incentive for car buyers and that the consumers should come to the realization of the viability of hybrid cars on their own. However, proponents quickly point out that the reasons for choosing a hybrid, be it fuel efficiency, rebate, or otherwise, are irrelevant so long as the buyer drives the vehicle home.

Regardless of the reasoning or logic behind the purchase, the hopeful result is that more buyers will take advantage of the rebate, and that more hybrids will take to the roads. Long term, the Canadian government is hoping that the growing demand for fuel will begin to stabilize.

Yea, But How Does that Help US Buyers?

If you want the efficiency and technology of a hybrid but you don’t want to pay the premium in price, do some investigating. Many states offer rebate and incentive programs that combine nicely with offers from the major insurance companies.

So, take a hint from the Canucks a buy a hybrid, eh!