With clean energy regulations tightening and green incentives expanding across British Columbia and Alberta, many business owners are reconsidering how they finance new equipment. From transport firms in Surrey to construction crews in Abbotsford and agricultural operations across Edmonton, the rise of clean equipment rebates and tax programs has made one thing clear:
Leasing is now the smarter path to compliance and growth.
At Sandhu & Sran Leasing & Financing, we’ve seen a growing number of clients opt for equipment leases that align with government incentives, rather than sinking capital into outdated machinery. It’s a shift driven by urgency, regulation — and opportunity.
Incentive Programs Now Reshaping Equipment Strategy
2025 has seen a spike in new and updated provincial programs supporting low-emission or energy-efficient machinery — from excavators and harvesters to commercial trucks.
In British Columbia
The CleanBC Industry Fund, alongside BC Hydro’s electrification initiatives, now offers rebates and grants for switching to electric or low-emission equipment. This includes many types of machinery commonly used in construction and farming.
These incentives have significantly improved the return on investment for leasing over buying — a key reason businesses are choosing flexible terms through local providers. Learn more about this trend in our blog on how equipment leasing works in Abbotsford.
In Alberta
With programs like Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) offering capital for clean-tech transitions, firms across Edmonton and surrounding regions are turning to lease-based upgrades. Leasing enables them to adapt faster to regulatory shifts — without needing to raise large upfront capital.
Why Leasing Makes More Sense Than Buying in 2025
Choosing whether to lease or buy isn’t just about cost — it’s about timing, tax efficiency, and future-proofing. With the pace of clean tech innovation, leasing is helping business owners stay agile.
Here’s why many BC and Alberta SMEs are opting for leasing:
Lower Upfront Capital
Many of the newer clean equipment models — especially those eligible for rebates — come with higher sticker prices. Leasing reduces the barrier to entry by eliminating large down payments and reducing upfront costs. If you’re in transport, our blog on how to lease a truck and save on down payments covers this well.
Tax Efficiency
Leased equipment often qualifies as an operational expense — reducing taxable income. In many cases, this advantage can be stacked with clean-tech rebates to create significant year-end savings.
Curious how this works? See our guide on how equipment leasing can save you money on taxes.
Faster Technology Cycles
Clean equipment is evolving quickly. A lease allows you to upgrade at the end of the term without being tied to outdated or non-compliant machinery. This is especially valuable in sectors like construction where emission standards are tightening. Learn more about options in 3 types of heavy equipment financing.
Most-Leased Clean Equipment Types in 2025
We’re seeing strong demand for leasing across the following categories:
- Electric or hybrid commercial trucks
- Battery-powered forklifts and lifts
- Low-emission excavators and compact loaders
- Smart irrigation and planting equipment
With the growing number of clean commercial truck options available, SMEs are also turning to truck-specific lease packages. See our post on top 3 reasons to lease trucks for your business.
Why Localized Leasing Solutions Matter More Than Ever
Generic national lenders may not offer terms that match the regional nuances of incentive eligibility or the seasonality of operations in BC and Alberta.
At Sandhu & Sran, our clients — from Surrey fleet operators to Abbotsford construction firms — are leveraging our knowledge of:
- Seasonal cash flow structures
- CRA lease deductions
- Provincial rebate programs
That’s why businesses working with us benefit from not just competitive rates, but strategic lease structures that align with growth plans. You can explore more in our blog on why flexible leases help heavy machinery users.
Sector-Specific Leasing Trends in 2025
In 2025, we’re seeing that leasing behavior varies significantly by sector, especially in regions like Abbotsford, Surrey, and Edmonton, where equipment demands are shaped by industry cycles and incentive eligibility.
Construction: Moving Toward Greener Fleets
Construction firms are facing increasing pressure to decarbonize heavy equipment fleets. With BC and Alberta offering specific rebates for low-emission machinery, leasing becomes the most viable way to acquire:
- Hybrid excavators
- Electric site dumpers
- Clean diesel loaders with Tier 4 Final compliance
See how to save money on construction equipment leasing and avoid heavy upfront costs.
Agriculture: Reducing Emissions Without Reducing Output
Farmers in Alberta and the Fraser Valley are responding to fuel cost volatility and incentive-backed electric equipment. Popular leased assets include:
- Smart irrigation equipment
- Autonomous tractors
- Battery-powered harvesters
Read our blog on why financing your farm equipment makes sense, especially when navigating seasonal operations.
Transportation: Evolving Fleets with Clean Tech
With BC’s Zero Emission Vehicle Act (ZEV) influencing commercial fleet requirements, many operators are turning to electric or hybrid truck leasing.
Popular among Surrey-based businesses:
- Electric semi-trucks
- Low-emission delivery vans
- Hybrid reefers for food transport
Explore the top reasons to lease trucks for your business and how flexible leasing can lower your carbon footprint.
Clean Equipment Eligible for Incentives & Leasing in 2025
While eligibility may vary, these equipment types currently offer the best value through leasing:
- Battery-electric forklifts
- Plug-in hybrid wheel loaders
- Electric transport refrigeration units
- Energy-efficient tractors
- Solar-powered field equipment
We often guide clients through eligibility checks and offer terms that match the rebate structure. If you’re unsure what qualifies, review our post on different types of equipment leasing.
What to Prepare Before You Lease Clean Equipment
To secure fast approval and qualify for relevant incentives, BC and Alberta business owners should prepare:
- Basic business financials (1–2 years preferred)
- Proof of rebate eligibility (or equipment spec sheets)
- Equipment quote or invoice from the supplier
- Industry-specific usage plan (especially for agri and construction)
Need help getting started? Our blog on how to get approved for equipment leasing in Canada is a useful guide.
Real-World Example: A Clean Switch in Abbotsford
A mid-sized Abbotsford construction firm recently leased three electric mini excavators with assistance from CleanBC’s rebate program. Rather than investing over $400,000 upfront, they secured a 36-month lease with lower monthly payments — fully offset by productivity savings and tax benefits.
We structured the lease with flexible end-of-term options, allowing them to return, renew, or upgrade. This model is now being applied to their loader and generator fleet.
Conclusion: Now’s the Time to Lease Clean
Incentives in BC and Alberta have transformed clean equipment from “nice to have” into “smart to lease.” Whether you operate a transport fleet, a grain farm, or a concrete crew — there’s a leasing solution aligned with your sustainability goals and cash flow needs.
At Sandhu & Sran, we’re not just your lender — we’re your equipment funding expert. Our team helps you navigate programs, identify eligible equipment, and structure leases that keep your operation moving forward.
Serving businesses in Abbotsford, Surrey, the Greater Vancouver Area, and across Alberta.
FAQs
1. Can I lease clean equipment and still apply for provincial rebates?
Yes. In most cases, rebates are available to lessees as long as the lease term meets certain conditions and the equipment qualifies.
2. What’s the difference between leasing and financing clean equipment?
Leasing typically offers lower upfront costs and flexible terms, while financing involves owning the asset. Leasing aligns better with short tech cycles and incentive programs.
3. Are electric trucks available through lease agreements?
Yes. Many businesses are now opting for electric commercial truck leasing to meet ZEV targets in BC and Alberta.
4. What if I need to upgrade before the lease ends?
Our lease structures include early upgrade or buyout options, especially when new models offer better energy savings.
5. Can leasing help reduce taxes?
Yes. Leases are usually considered an operating expense, which may reduce your business’s taxable income. Learn more here.
Ready to Lease Clean?
Let’s help you align your fleet and equipment with BC and Alberta’s green goals — without disrupting your budget or operations.
Contact Sandhu & Sran Leasing & Financing today for a customized lease plan.