Tesla challenges Manitoba EV rebate ban in court over ‘political’ exclusion

Tesla Canada is asking the Manitoba Court of King’s Bench to overturn the province’s decision to exclude its vehicles from the Manitoba EV rebate program, calling the move “incredibly unfair” and seemingly political.

Hearing details

According to CBC News, Tesla lawyers appeared before the court on Monday, Oct. 6, challenging the company’s exclusion from rebates in 2025 and 2026. Justice Elissa Neville reserved her decision after the hearing. Manitoba argues the exclusion is a budgetary policy decision that cannot be reviewed by the court.

Program and timeline

• Manitoba launched its EV rebate program in 2024, offering up to $4,000 toward eligible new electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles and $2,500 for used models.
• Tesla and Chinese EVs were removed from the program in the province’s spring 2025 budget, shortly after the Canada–U.S. trade dispute began.
• Tesla lawyer Michael Parrish said the province has not clearly identified who made the decision or what information was considered.

Political comments cited

Tesla pointed to comments from Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew, who previously said Tesla CEO Elon Musk should “get Donald Trump to stop the tariffs, and then we can talk about the EV rebate.” Parrish argued those comments suggest Tesla was excluded for “seemingly political reasons.”

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