Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVI): Funding for EV Charging Stations

Canadians are preparing for a future where consumers can purchase a wide range of powertrain types. Although internal combustion engines (ICEs) will continue to represent a large portion of the market, battery electric and hybrid options are rapidly growing in popularity and becoming a much more widespread option. The Government of Canada believes that electrification is crucial to decarbonizing the transportation sector and transitioning to a low-carbon future. To further this initiative, as a part of Budget 2019, the Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVI) was developed to increase access to localized and visible charging infrastructure for Canadians.

The Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program will provide successful applicants with up to 50% of total project costs up to a maximum of $5,000,000 per project.

The second request for proposals focuses on multi-unit residential buildings, workplaces, or light-duty vehicle fleets. The deadline to submit applications is June 11, 2020.

About the Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program

Administered by Natural Resources Canada, the Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVI) is set to help the federal government’s goal for zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) to capture 10% of all light-duty vehicle (LDV) sales per year by 2025, 30% by 2030, and 100% by 2040. To lessen driver concerns about finding stations to charge their vehicles, ZEVI funding will go towards increasing the network of zero-emission vehicle charging (level 2 and higher) and refueling stations.

Applicants may receive up to 50% of total project costs up to a maximum of $5,000,000 in Canadian government funding. The minimum funding ask is $100,000.

The current application intake is for multi-unit residential buildings, workplaces, or light-duty vehicle fleets.

• Multi-Unit Residential Buildings: The building must include a minimum of three dwelling units.
• Workplaces: Defined as a location where employees perform duties related to a job. The charging or hydrogen refuelling infrastructure must be primarily used by the employees.
• Light-Duty Vehicle Fleets: Fleets are composed of multiple vehicles and are managed by common ownership. Fleets can be composed of light-duty vehicles (such as taxis), medium and heavy-duty vehicles (such as last-mile delivery), or a combination of both.

Applicant Eligibility: Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program

In order to be eligible to receive funding for electric vehicle charging stations, applicants should be:

• Individuals and legal entities incorporated or registered in Canada including not-for-profit and for-profit organizations such as:
  • Companies
  • Electricity or gas utilities
  • Standards organizations
  • Research associations
  • Industry associations
  • Academic institutions
  • Indigenous and community groups
  • Provincial, territorial, regional, or municipal governments
• International legal entities incorporated or registered abroad including for-profit and not-for-profit organizations such as:
  • Academic institutions
  • Industry associations
  • Standards organizations
  • Research organizations
  • Companies

Eligible Projects: Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program

The open call for Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program proposals support EV charging and hydrogen refueling stations in multi-unit residential buildings, workplaces, or light-duty vehicle fleets. EV charging projects must be completed with 18 months and hydrogen refuelling projects must be completed within 24 months.

There must be a minimum of 20 charging ports installed (one charging station can have more than one port).

The electric charging station must:

• Be in Canada;
• Be new and purchased equipment (not leased);
• Be a permanent installation (mounted or fixed models);
• Be for a new installation or expansion of an existing installation (not for the replacement of an existing installation);
• Be certified for use in Canada (e.g. CSA, UL, Interlink) and be commercially available;
• Include one or more of the following charging connector types:
  • SAE J1772 Combo (for fast-charging stations)
  • SAE J1772 standard plug head (Level 2 – 208/240 V)
  • CHAdeMO (for fast-charging stations)
  • Other proprietary charging connector types are eligible if it includes at least one universal charging connector (J1772, J1772 Combo, and CHAdeMO) of the same category (i.e. Level 2 or a fast-charging station) at the same project site.

• Hydrogen fueling stations must be capable of dispensing hydrogen at 700 bar minimum.

Eligible Expenses for ZEVI Funding

• Professional services;
• Capital expenditures;
• Salaries and benefits;
• License and permit fees;
• Overhead directly related to the project;
• Rental fees and leasing costs; and
• Costs associated with environmental assessment.

Ineligible Expenses

• Land and legal costs; and
• Expenses made prior to approval.

Apply for the Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program

The Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program is currently open and accepting applications. This Canadian government funding program has a deadline of June 11, 2020. Funding decisions will be made by August 2020.

To learn more about the program and discuss if your upcoming project is positioned to succeed, please contact Mentor Works. We can also help optimize the application and reporting process.