Math Doesn’t Add Up for Saskatchewan’s “Fair” Electric Vehicle Tax

NOVEMBER 10, 2021 – The Saskatchewan provincial government defended the October 1st EV Tax as a means of making road usage costs “fair” for all drivers. But dig a little deeper and you’ll find the math simply doesn’t add up.

We investigated how much electric vehicle drivers contribute to the province of Saskatchewan when they charge their cars at home. As it turns out, it’s a lot more than the average gas-powered vehicle driver contributes at the pump. 

The key is that SaskPower, Saskatchewan’s principal electricity supplier, is owned by the provincial government. So the profits they make on the increased residential electricity usage from EV owners goes to the government. SaskPower makes more than $240 in profit on the average EV driver – factor in the $150 tax and EV owners are contributing $394. Compare this to the average combustion vehicle owner’s contribution of $204. What’s fair about that? For our full report, click here.

In light of this new information, as well as the excellent response to our campaign, we have extended the deadline for Saskatchewan EV Owners to receive a refund on their tax to November 30th, 2021. EV owners can also elect to donate their funds to one of two Saskatchewan charities.