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Zero Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative (ZEVAI)

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

Funder

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)

Deadline Details

The ZEVAI Indigenous-led pilot projects call for proposals is open until March 31, 2025, or until funds are fully allocated. *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 the Indigenous-led pilot projects.

The last intake for the Education and Awareness Project funding closed September 26, 2023.

Funder Organization Type

  • Federal Government

ZEVAI seeks proposals for new and innovative projects that aim to address awareness and knowledge gaps among Canadians and businesses on ZEVs and ZEV technologies, including battery electric, plug-in hybrid electric and hydrogen fuel cell for light, medium and heavy-duty on-road, off-road, and micro-mobility solutions. 
 
There are two calls for proposals:
  • Education and awareness project funding – clean transportation and clean fuels (Deadline-based - Closed September 26, 2023. Timing for the next Call for Proposals still to be determined)
  • Indigenous-led projects pilot (Continuous intake - Open until March 31, 2025 or until funds have been allocated)
 
To help address challenges related to awareness, understanding, and confidence in zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), lower-carbon trucks, and clean fuels, NRCan provides funding for projects that address barriers to adoption. Areas of focus include:
 
Zero-Emission Vehicles Awareness
  • Support for projects that aim to increase awareness, knowledge, and public confidence in:
    • zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) in all vehicle classes (Update September 9, 2024: funding for light-duty vehicles is fully allocated).
    • low-emitting medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (trucks, delivery vans) including retrofits, repowers, and conversions
    • public charging and refueling technologies  
 
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
Update September 2024: Funding for light-duty (personal) zero-emission vehicle projects and public charging and refuelling technologies projects is fully committed as of September 2024, so no additional projects related to this area can be funded under the Indigenous-led pilot projects. New applications continue to be accepted if the project Area of Focus is Medium- and Heavy-Duty (MHD) zero-emission or low-emission vehicles, such as trucks and delivery vans, including retrofits, repowers, and conversions; or clean fuels. 

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;
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

For-Profit Organizations
  • A maximum of $100,000 for one-year projects and $200,000 for two-year projects
Not-for-Profit Organizations, Governments, and Indigenous Organizations
  • A maximum of $150,000 for one-year projects and $300,000 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.