The beginning of 2025 is not easy for Tesla, with sales declining in major global markets, and as if that weren’t enough, now the city of Toronto in Canada has ended financial incentives for purchasing electric vehicles from the American brand.
The Toronto city council is encouraging the purchase of electric vehicles for use in public transport, such as taxis or rental vehicles, offering drivers and owners a reduction in licensing and renewal fees until the end of 2029, to help reduce emissions.
However, Olivia Chow, the mayor of Toronto, has made it clear that as of March 1, Tesla models are not covered by the financial incentives.
“Rental vehicles, such as taxis, will need to find a different type of car”, Chow said in statements to “Reuters.” “There are other electric cars that can be purchased.”
The basis for this decision by the Toronto municipality is the trade “war” with the U.S., and Olivia Chow did not hide that the decision was made in response to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who is one of the main advisors to U.S. President Donald Trump, who advocates for the annexation of Canada and recently announced an increase in tariffs on Canadian products.
“Anyone looking to buy a Tesla can do so, but they should know that they will not be relying on Toronto taxpayers’ money to subsidize the purchase.”, said Olivia Chow.
