Tesla Reportedly Gamed Rebate Program in Canada to Make Last-Minute $30M Claim

Tesla has been accused of gaming the Canadian electric vehicle rebate program after 4 dealerships reportedly sold a whopping 8,600 vehicles in just three days. The sales spree saw the four stores sell an average of 2 vehicles per minute and claim $30 million worth of grants just before Canada’s EV rebate program ended.

Although Teslas are among the most popular electric cars in Canada, the last-minute surge in sales at the four dealerships and the subsequent $30 million in claims have left many wondering whether the sales were legitimate. Each of the 4 dealerships would have had to sell an average of 30 electric cars per hour or one EV every minute without a break for three straight days.

With the reported sales requiring each store to sell one car every minute, 24 hours a day, including the hours when the stores were closed, the surge in sales has left many folks asking questions. Tesla’s $30 million claim came just as Canada was about to phase out its EV subsidy program and locked out other carmakers from using the program.

The claim also accounted for just over half of the remaining $50 million earmarked for electric vehicle subsidies in Canada.

Officials are now wondering how Tesla sold all those EVs in the small window of time it had before the subsidy program ended, especially when Tesla’s poor performance in the Canadian market is considered.

The National Post estimates that Tesla deliveries to Canadian drivers fell by around 70% from December 2024 to January 2025. Tesla experienced a slight increase in sales when the Canadian government announced that the EV subsidy program was coming to an end but that minor spike is nothing compared to the sales Tesla reported in the last few days of Canada’s EV subsidy program.

Data from Transport Canada shows that the Texas-based carmaker reportedly sold a whopping 8,653 EVs across 4 dealerships in just 3 days. However, a report from The Star has one government official openly stating that Tesla didn’t sell nearly 8,700 electric cars in one weekend. Tesla essentially monopolized the funds left in Canada’s EV rebate program and prevented other automakers from using the credits by claiming more than half of the remaining credits.

The Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA) says that 226 dealerships across the country have submitted subsidy claims for 2,295 electric cars and are still awaiting reimbursement.  Dealerships in regions like Quebec that usually close on the weekends also missed out on the last-minute weekend rush.

It remains to be seen what other EV makers like Cenntro Electric Group Ltd. (NASDAQ: CENN) have to say about the surprising statistics of the sales Tesla recorded during that stretch of 72 hours before the deadline of the rebate program lapsed in Canada.

About GreenCarStocks

GreenCarStocks (“GCS”) is a specialized communications platform with a focus on electric vehicles (“EVs”) and the green energy sector. It is one of 70+ brands within the Dynamic Brand Portfolio @ IBN that delivers: (1) access to a vast network of wire solutions via InvestorWire to efficiently and effectively reach a myriad of target markets, demographics and diverse industries; (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ outlets; (3) enhanced press release enhancement to ensure maximum impact; (4) social media distribution via IBN to millions of social media followers; and (5) a full array of tailored corporate communications solutions. With broad reach and a seasoned team of contributing journalists and writers, GCS is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that want to reach a wide audience of investors, influencers, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, GCS brings its clients unparalleled recognition and brand awareness. GCS is where breaking news, insightful content and actionable information converge.

To receive SMS alerts from GreenCarStocks, text “Green” to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.GreenCarStocks.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the GreenCarStocks website applicable to all content provided by GCS, wherever published or re-published: https://www.GreenCarStocks.com/Disclaimer

GreenCarStocks
Los Angeles, CA
www.GreenCarStocks.com
310.299.1717 Office
[email protected]

GreenCarStocks is powered by IBN

Archives

Select A Month

Contact us: (512) 354-7000