Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle levy
A new levy starts 1 October 2026 for electric and plug-in hybrid passenger vehicles, light trucks and vans registered under 5,001 kilograms. The levy is paid when a vehicle permit is issued or renewed.
Nova Scotia is introducing an electric vehicle (EV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) levy. The levy applies to eligible EVs and PHEVs when a vehicle permit is issued or renewed. This is in addition to the regular vehicle permit or renewal costs.
The levy helps ensure all vehicle owners contribute to the cost of building and maintaining provincial roads and highways. Gas-powered vehicle owners contribute through the provincial fuel tax at the pump. Electric vehicles do not use gasoline and plug-in hybrid vehicles use less gasoline, so owners of these vehicles contribute less through that tax.
Levy amounts
The levy is charged in addition to the regular permit fee, which is based on vehicle weight.
|
Vehicle type |
Description |
Levy amount (every 2 years) |
|---|---|---|
|
Electric Vehicle (EV) |
A vehicle powered by an electric motor with a battery that must be plugged into an electricity source to charge. Example: Chevrolet Bolt EV |
$500.00 |
|
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) |
A vehicle powered by both a fuel engine and an electric motor with a battery that can be charged by plugging it into an electricity source. Example: Kia Sportage PHEV EX |
$250.00 |
|
Non-Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle |
A vehicle powered by both a fuel engine and an electric motor. The battery is charged by the fuel engine and the vehicle is not plugged into an electricity source. Example: Honda Civic Hybrid |
Not applicable for non-plugin hybrids |
How to pay
Pay the levy with your vehicle permit fee when you register or renew your vehicle. You can pay online or at any Access NS location.
Exemptions
You are not charged the levy if the vehicle:
- is registered over 5,000 kilograms
- has a restricted licence plate, such as an emergency vehicle or government-owned vehicle
- has a farm or fisher plate
- is registered as an ambulance, hearse, school bus, service truck, motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, off-highway vehicle, antique vehicle, camper, bus or miscellaneous equipment
Status Card holders
You may be eligible for an exemption if you have a valid Certificate of Indian Status (Status Card) and the vehicle will be located on reserve most of the time.
To request this exemption, register or renew the vehicle at an Access NS location. Bring your Status Card and declare that the vehicle will be located on reserve most of the time.
For jointly owned plates, all registered owners must meet the eligibility requirements.
Refunds
You may be eligible for a partial refund if:
- you sell the vehicle and provide proof of sale
- you return an unexpired vehicle permit
- the levy was overpaid or charged in error, including when an exemption should have applied or the vehicle was incorrectly identified as subject to the levy
Refunds are based on the number of full calendar months remaining on the vehicle permit.
If you think you are eligible for a refund, visit an Access NS location for assistance.
Contact
Local: 902-424-5851
Toll-free: 1-800-898-7668
Toll-free TTY: 1-877-404-0867
Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding holidays.