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Zero Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative (ZEVAI): Indigenous-Led Pilot Projects

Program Category: Clean Energy, Sustainable Transportation, Environment
Program Sub-Category: Zero Emission Vehicles and Charging Stations
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Status: Closed

Funder

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)

Deadline Details

Funding for all areas of focus is now fully committed. No additional projects can be funded under this pilot.

Funder Organization Type

  • Federal Government

Supports Indigenous-led projects that aim to address awareness and knowledge gaps related to all types of ZEVs, lower-carbon medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, and clean fuels, such as clean hydrogen and biofuels.
There are two areas of focus: 
Zero-Emission Vehicles Awareness
  • Support for projects that aim to increase awareness, knowledge, and public confidence in:

    • zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) in medium and heavy-duty vehicle classes

    • low-emitting medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (trucks, delivery vans) including retrofits, repowers, and conversions

    • NOTE: Funding for light-duty (personal) zero-emission vehicle projects and public charging and refuelling technologies projects is now fully committed, so no additional projects related to this area can be funded under this pilot

Clean Fuels Awareness
  • Support for projects that increase knowledge and understanding about the opportunities, benefits, and considerations related to adopting clean fuels in industrial operations, across the economy, and for consumers. Clean fuels can include:

    • clean hydrogen and renewable natural gas

    • biofuels such as cellulosic ethanol

    • renewable diesel

    • synthetic fuels and sustainable aviation fuels

Examples of Project Activities

  • developing in-person or online education and/or awareness events, such as test drive opportunities

  • developing curriculum or training material

  • outreach and awareness campaigns

  • creating web-based resources

  • developing in-person professional training or industry-led skills training

  • increasing knowledge of charging & refuelling and/or clean-fuel options and technologies

 
There is another call for proposals called "Education and Awareness Project Funding - EV Charging and Clean Fuels" that is deadline-based and closing on April 30, 2025. See details here. 
 

Eligible Community

  • an Indigenous community or governing body

    • a First Nation (band or council under the Indian Act)

    • a tribal council

    • an Inuit organization

    • another form of government or representative organization; or

  • a for-profit or not-for-profit business or organization that clearly demonstrates ownership and controlling interests by Indigenous groups

The term “Indigenous” is understood to include Inuit, Métis, First Nations, or any combination thereof.

Required Community Contribution

For-Profit Organizations: 
  • Minimum of 50% of Total Project Costs
Not-For-Profit Organizations/ Indigenous led Organizations: 
  • Minimum of 25% of Total Project Costs

Funding Stacking Restrictions

Yes
Total funding from all levels of government (e.g. federal, provincial/territorial and/or municipal) cannot exceed 75% of the total project costs, unless the proponent is an Indigenous owned business or community, not for profit organization, a provincial, territorial or municipal government or their department or agency, in which case the stacking limit is 100% of project costs. 

Specific Eligibility Requirements

ZEVAI will not fund repeat or extended projects (same deliverables, audience, location) that were previously undertaken by the organization.
 
Annual events held by organizations are not eligible for ZEVAI funding. 

Other Eligible Applicants

Indigenous Economic Agencies
Indigenous-owned Businesses
Businesses / For-profit
Indigenous Organizations
Non-governmental Organizations / Not-for-Profits
Economic Development Agencies
Academic Institutions

To be considered for funding under the program, applicants must be organizations and legal entities validly incorporated or registered in Canada, including not-for-profit and for-profit organizations such as:
  • electricity or gas utilities
  • private sector companies
  • industry associations
  • research associations
  • standards development organizations
  • Indigenous and community groups
  • Canadian academic institutions
  • provincial, territorial, regional, or municipal governments or their departments or agencies, where applicable
International legal entities validly incorporated or registered abroad, including for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, will also be considered. These include: 
  • private sector companies;
  • industry associations;
  • research associations;
  • standards organizations; and, 
  • academic institutions.
     

Type of Funding

  • Non-repayable Contribution

Range of Funding Available per Project

  • From $100 000 to $1 000 000

Description of Funding

Not-for-Profit Organizations, Governments, and Indigenous Organizations

  • A maximum of $150,000 for one-year projects and $300,000 for two-year projects

For-Profit Organizations

  • A maximum of $100,000 for one-year projects and $200,000 for two-year projects

Percentage of Project Funded

For-Profit Organizations
  • Up to 50% of Total Project Costs
Not-for-Profit Organizations, Governments, and Indigenous Organizations
  • Up to 75% of Total Project Costs

Eligible Costs

Operational and Maintenance Costs
Staff Costs
Capacity Building for the Community
Awareness and Education

Ineligible Costs

Any costs incurred prior to signing a funding agreement
Building Purchase Costs
Land Acquisition

Reporting Requirements

Progress reports and final reports

Click here to view previously funded projects.