The Zero Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative (ZEVAI) is a Canadian government funding program that aims to increase the awareness of zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) and their technology with the goal of reducing the vehicle emissions within Canada, which are currently sitting at approximately 25% of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). ZEVAI is instrumental in helping Canada achieve the goals outlined in the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Canada’s Next Steps for Clean Air and a Strong Economy.
“Through the Zero-Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative, we’re equipping Canadians with the knowledge they need to confidently make the switch to a zero-emission vehicle. Ensuring easy access to EVs across Canada is a critical part of our plan to lower emissions and achieve our climate goals. Through these and similar investments, we are putting more Canadians in the driver’s seat on the road to a net-zero future.”
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources
This Call for Proposals (CFP) will be highlighting light-duty zero emission vehicles and technologies, as well as improving awareness of micro-mobility options for travelers.
Funding Amount
Successful applicants for the Zero Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative (ZEVAI) may receive up to 50% of project funding to a maximum $200,000 if they are a for-profit applicant. Indigenous and not-for-profit applicants may receive up to 75% funding to a maximum of $300,000.
Applicant Eligibility
To be eligible for funding through ZEVAI, applicants should be Canadian and meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Is a for-profit business;
- Is an Indigenous applicant or part of an Indigenous organization;
- Operates in the electricity or gas utilities industries; or
- Is a not-for-profit association, such as academic institutions and municipalities.
Eligible Activities
Projects should address the following focus areas to be considered eligible for funding through ZEVAI:
- Campaigns for ZEV outreach and awareness;
- Creating web-based resources and information portals;
- Establishing showcase facilities;
- Increasing visibility of charging infrastructure; and/or
- Developing training material and practice guides for target audiences.
To see a full list of activities, please visit the Zero Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative (ZEVAI) program page for more information.
Eligible Expenses
Expenses that may be eligible for support throughout an applicant’s ZEVAI project are:
- Capital expenses;
- Salaries/benefits or costs for professional services;
- License and permit fees;
- Environmental assessment expenses; and/or
- Overhead directly related to the project.
Program Timelines
Applicants that are approved for funding through the ZEVAI must complete their project prior to March 31, 2024. Applications must be submitted by August 18, 2022.
More Government Funding for Cleantech in Canada
Although the ZEVAI program offers considerable funding support and opportunities for companies and organizations operating in the ZEV industry, there are many other government funding programs available to support in cleantech initiatives. To see a comprehensive list of the top programs, please visit our Cleantech Funding Programs Directory.
Readers may also learn about other government funding success stories for cleantech by reading our blog on Canada Invests $260 Million in the Future of Ontario’s EV Production, or signing up for our government funding newsletter.