# Controversy Surrounds Tesla’s Recent Surge in EV Rebate Claims in Canada
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## A Rapid Claim: What’s the Story?
Recent reports from Canada have sparked significant interest regarding a situation involving four Tesla locations that claimed C$43 million (approximately US$30 million) in electric vehicle (EV) rebates from the Canadian government within just three days. This sudden surge has left many questioning its legitimacy, as it depleted available funds and hindered other dealerships from benefitting.
### Context of the EV Rebate Program
It was recently reported that only C$71.8 million (about US$50 million) remained in the government’s iZEV program designed to incentivize EV purchases. Shortly after this figure was disclosed, these four dealerships purportedly sold an astonishing 8,600 Tesla vehicles—an effort reflecting an average rate of around 120 sales every hour over three continuous days—essentially scaling to about two cars per minute.
### Industry Skepticism
Various industry experts have expressed disbelief at the plausibility of such rapid sales. Huw Williams, a representative from the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association, stated that “it seems like there may have been manipulation involved.” He noted concerns about how such large-scale claims did not raise red flags within regulatory frameworks. Additionally, a government official remarked that sales were unlikely to have occurred during that brief period.
### Theories on Submission Process and Potential Misconduct
The core of this controversy lies in whether Tesla submitted their rebate forms methodically upon each vehicle sale or if there was a bulk submission after all transactions had occurred—a possibility given their recent performance slump in Canada reportedly where deliveries saw a steep decline of nearly 70% between December 2024 and January 2025. Some sources speculate that consumers may have rushed to secure purchases before potential tariffs took effect or while subsidies were still available.
Conversely, skeptics also suggest potential misconduct could be at play; allegations hinting at Tesla filing rebates for vehicles not yet handed over to customers are swirling through much discourse surrounding this event.
### Impact on Other Dealers
This unfolding situation is affecting others within the automotive sector significantly as well. Terry Budd, who operates eight dealerships across Canada, shared his frustrations regarding approximately $150,000 worth of rebate requests he filed before funds disappeared due to Tesla’s claims—alongside another $25,000 currently awaiting processing. Budd lamented both financial strains caused by these circumstances and his doubts about how Tesla achieved such extraordinary numbers so rapidly.
## Call for Investigation
As questions linger surrounding precise events leading up to this rebate frenzy among Canadian Teslas dealers—it remains challenging for analysts and consumers alike to discern factual bases behind it all without further investigations into these alarming occurrences. Advocates are calling for Transport Canada’s oversight committee intervention based on existing concerns raised by observant industry stakeholders.
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