​ZEVAI Intake Open for Medium- and Heavy-Duty Stream

Canada’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative (ZEVAI) is administered by Natural Resources Canada (NRC) to help Canada achieve its goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Ultimately, ZEVAI funding enables Canadians to adopt zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) more widely in all regions of the country by funding outreach, education, and capacity building efforts. 

“Through investments such as the ones announced today, we’re equipping Canadians with the awareness and knowledge they need to confidently make the switch to a zero-emission vehicle. Ensuring easy access to ZEVs across Canada is a critical part of our plan to lower emissions and achieve our international 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 

The Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Stream of ZEVAI (ZEVAI-MHDV) has a mid-March deadline upcoming for applications that Canadian businesses in the zero-emissions vehicles industry should be aware of. 

“The transition to electric vehicles is a critical element of Toronto’s TransformTO climate action strategy and will play a big role in helping us meet our goals to reach net-zero emissions by 2040. I want to thank the federal government for its support as we undertake this major initiative to increase awareness and knowledge about EVs, and to help lay the groundwork to accelerate EV adoption in our city. Addressing the impacts of climate change and protecting our environment takes an all-hands-on-deck approach, and we need the help of all governments to be able to move forward.” 

John Tory Mayor, City of Toronto 

Understanding the Zero-Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative — Medium- and Heavy-Duty Stream 

Projects focused on medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDVs) with zero emissions or low carbon emissions will be supported through the Zero-Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative — Medium- and Heavy-Duty (ZEVAI-MHDV) stream to promote awareness, knowledge, and trust among fleet owners, drivers, and the general public. ZEVs and lower-carbon vehicles could be adopted more widely in the MHDV sector through outreach, education, and capacity-building activities funded by the initiative. 

Request for Information 

For this stream, Natural Resources Canada (NRC) is looking for the following information as a call for proposal for this ZEVAI-MHDV program: 

• The lead organization’s summary; 
• Project activities and deliverables to be made;  
• A target audience; 
• What type of zero emission or low-carbon vehicle is involved; 

• Start and completion dates for the project; 
• Project cost estimates;  
• What amount of funding would be sought via a call for proposals; 
• A list outlining project and funding partners; and 
• What stage of project readiness the proposed project is at. 

Please note: This request for information is not a funding opportunity for this stream at the moment. However, should there be substantial project potential submitted via the request for information, there may be future funding opportunities comparable to other streams as a result. 

Amount of Funding 

The NRC ZEVAI program is currently funding other projects, such as light-duty ZEVs. Eligible for-profit organizations can apply for ZEVAI funding up to 50% of total project costs. A not-for-profit organization, Indigenous organization, business, or community that demonstrates greater than 50% Indigenous control of ownership is eligible for up to 75% of total project costs. Governments and their departments or agencies are eligible for up to 75% of total project costs. 

Applicant Eligibility for the ZEVAI Program 

The applicant eligibility list may contain some of the following characteristics: 

• Electricity and gas utilities; 
• Companies owned by private individuals; 
• Organizations that conduct research or represent the industry; 
• Communities that are Indigenous; 
• A Canadian academic institution; or 
• The federal, state, regional, and local governments, as well as their agencies. 

ZEVAI Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Program Timeline 

This program currently has a deadline of March 13, 2023, at 23:59. 

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