Canadian power provide B.C. Hydro is striking back against President Trump’s wealthiest surrogate Elon Musk by making Tesla chargers ineligible for EV rebates in British Columbia.
Citizens in the province who purchase electric vehicle chargers for their homes are eligible for a $350 rebate unless those units were made by Musk’s company, B.C. Hydro announced on its website.
The government-affiliated service stated that its working to include more Canadian goods in its rebate programs, while shutting out American products when possible. Tesla energy storage batteries and inverters are also affected by B.C. Hydro’s decision. The power company provides most of the province’s electricity.
Parliament member Jagmeet Singh suggested last month that his party would impose a 100% tax on all Tesla products if the New Democratic Party comes to power in the next election. A vote will take place no later than Oct. 20.
British Columbian citizens are eligible for $4,000 rebates on electric vehicles under the province’s Clean BC Go Electric initiative. It’s unclear if province will withdraw that offer to Tesla buyers.
Musk’s car company has seen blowback in the U.S. and abroad as his political reach grows.
The 53-year-old entrepreneur has become involved in championing right-wing political movements including MAGA and Germany’s Alternative for Germany party. He twice made a hand gesture many compared to a Nazi salute at a Trump inauguration celebration in January. Posters of Musk in that pose have popped up in England where Teslas are being called “Swasticars.”
Tesla dealerships and charging stations have become targets for vandals and protesters. Many Tesla owners have gotten rid of their cars due to either fear or shame. Others have tried altering their automobiles to appear as though it’s another brand.
President Trump gave the billionaire right-wing activist a great deal of leverage to reshape government after Musk donated nearly $300 million to help reelect Trump.
The Trump Administration has since behaved aggressively toward friendly nations like Canada by imposing stiff trade tariffs and expressing interest in the country’s precious mineral supply. Trump has also suggested the U.S. might annex its neighbor to the north and dismissively called its Prime Minister a “governor.”
On Tuesday, the President hosted an event outside the White House to help Musk sell cars as Tesla stocks struggled. He also promised anyone caught committing crimes against Musk’s companies would “go through Hell.”