Electric vehicles have steadily risen in popularity in recent years amid increased awareness of the harmful impact that greenhouse gas emissions have had on the environment. One of the main roadblocks for many Canadians looking to make the switch over to electric cars, however, is the general lack of infrastructure to support them. While you can find a gas station in almost every part of the country, no matter how remote, finding an EV charging station is decidedly less easy.
Even the middle of nowhere gets a diesel pump or two.
Photo by Jorge Bilbao on Pexels
Luckily, Natural Resources Canada has taken this concern into account and established the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP), a $680 million initiative running from 2019 to 2027 that seeks to address the lack of charging and refuelling stations in Canada. Through cost-sharing contribution agreements, applicants can receive funding for eligible projects to help meet the growing demand for EV chargers across the nation.
The program targets multiple infrastructure streams, including:
- Public Places
- On-Street
- Workplaces
- Multi-Unit Residential Buildings
- Commercial and Public Fleets
Eligible candidates will be able to obtain up to 50% of total project costs in funding, ranging from a minimum of $100,000 to a maximum of $5,000,000 per project. Each proposal submitted must include a minimum of two fast chargers of 50kW and above or a minimum of twenty chargers of any level. Note that if you are installing Level 2 chargers, each connector can count towards the minimum twenty chargers if they can charge a vehicle at the same time. Furthermore, fast chargers with multiple connectors that are capable of charging multiple vehicles at once at a particular output level may be eligible for additional funding.
How to Apply
NRCan RFPs can be sent via email or direct mail.
Email: Send your request for proposal by email (the preferred method) to infrasubmissions-demandesinfra@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca. You must include a completed application form (both Word and Excel documents) as well as a PDF attestation page that has been dated and signed by an authorized officer.
Direct Mail can be addressed to:
Natural Resources Canada
c/o Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program
580 Booth Street
18th Floor
Ottawa, ON K1A 0E4
Just as with email submissions, your application must include an attestation signed and dated by an authorized officer. NRCan also requests that copies of the requisite files be included on a memory stick with the application package, clearly marked with the name of the organization and the project title.
What next?
Each project proposal will then be reviewed by NRCan, who will subsequently rate and rank them against merit criteria. Based on this ranking, NRCan will make a final decision on funding, with successful proposals receiving a Letter of Conditional Approval (LOCA). Conditionally recommended projects will then undergo a due diligence assessment. This will ascertain the financial strength of the project owner and their ability to complete the project. NRCan can request that the applicant provide confirmation and clarification on proposal details, and an independent firm will be hired to support the program through this process. If the project requires in-depth financial analysis, NRCan will inform the proponent and provide details on the next steps.
After due diligence is conducted on successful project proposals, the proponent will then be invited to negotiate a contribution agreement.
For more information on funding specifics, see the table below. You can also check out our handy guide on how to choose the best EV Charging option for your property by clicking here!
Type of Infrastructure | Output | Maximum Funding | Maximum Funding (Indigenous Communities and Businesses) |
Level 2 (208/240V) Connector | 3.3kW - 19.2kW | Up to 50% of total project costs, up to a maximum of $5,000 per connector | Up to 75% of total project costs, up to a maximum of $7,500 per connector |
Fast Charger | 20kW - 49kW | Up to 50% of total project costs, up to a maximum of $15,000 per connector | Up to 75% of total project costs, up to a maximum of $22,500 per connector |
Fast Charger | 50kW - 99kW | Up to 50% of total project costs, up to a maximum of $50,000 per connector | Up to 75% of total project costs, up to a maximum of $75,000 per connector |
Fast Charger | 100kW - 199kW | Up to 50% of total project costs, up to a maximum of $75,000 per connector | Up to 75% of total project costs, up to a maximum of $112,500 per connector |
Fast Charger | 200kW and Above | Up to 50% of total project costs, up to a maximum of $100,000 per connector | Up to 75% of total project costs, up to a maximum of $150,000 per connector |
Hydrogen Refuelling Station | Dispensing at 350 bar minimum for medium and heavy-duty vehicles | Up to 50% of total project costs, up to a maximum of $1,000,000 per connector | Up to 75% of total project costs, up to a maximum of $1,500,000 per connector |
Thanks to NRCan and the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program, it has never been easier to obtain funding for your EV Charger Installation project - and, thanks to your friends here at EAMA, it has never been easier to ensure that your chargers are installed effectively, efficiently, and by a contractor you can count on. Reach out to us today for more information!