Canada’s iZEV electric vehicle rebate program ended prematurely due to unexpectedly high claims, primarily from Tesla. Tesla’s last-minute surge in rebate applications, totaling over half of the remaining funds, left independent dealerships with significant unreimbursed costs. This situation has prompted an investigation by Transport Canada and criticism of Tesla’s actions. The incident highlights the potential vulnerabilities of government incentive programs and the financial risks for participating dealers.
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Norway is poised to become the first nation to effectively eliminate gasoline and diesel car sales, achieving over 96% electric vehicle (EV) sales in early 2025. This success stems from consistent, long-term government policies incentivizing EV adoption, including tax breaks and infrastructure investment, rather than outright bans. The country’s rapid shift, contrasted with the U.S.’s 8.1% EV market share in 2024, demonstrates the potential for other nations to follow suit, though Norway’s affluence and cheap energy are significant contributing factors. The transition is considered a “new normal,” with plans to electrify city buses by 2025 and heavily reduce emissions from heavy-duty vehicles.
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John Q. Hosedrinker