Winnipeg man out $2,500 after MPI denies bid for electric vehicle rebate
MPI website said vehicle was eligible, but insurer said later 2020 Hyundai Ioniq too old
A Winnipeg man says he's out $2,500 after his application for a provincial electric vehicle rebate was denied, despite having confirmed the used car's eligibility by punching its serial number into MPI's verification tool.
Last month, Brad Cloet entered the serial number for a used 2020 Hyundai Ioniq into a tool on an Manitoba Public Insurance web page titled "Check vehicle eligibility."
The MPI site returned a message saying "this vehicle is eligible."
Cloet bought the car, submitted the paperwork and two weeks later he found out his application had been denied.
He says his decision to purchase was partly based on getting the rebate.
"I was quite, quite surprised that we got it rejected when it totally is clear and concise on the web page that you use this tool to see if you're eligible for the rebate," Cloet said.
In 2024, Manitoba's environment minister announced electric vehicle rebates ranging from $4,000 for new models and $2,500 for used.
Environment Minister Mike Moyes says his department is in charge of the program but MPI administers the rebates.
In a written statement, MPI said rebates only apply to vehicles that are less than four years old at the time of purchase.
The purchase date is key because the incentive is retroactive to August 2023.
"Customers are responsible for ensuring that their purchase date and model year date are within the four-year time frame," said MPI.
The MPI website that indicated Cloet's electric car was eligible does not ask for the date of purchase.
Cloet says the MPI's statement is a cop out.
"That was very, extremely disappointing for the province to not catch that," Cloet said.
MPI said it is considering adding more information to the tool that checks serial numbers.
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with Kristin Annable