Canada is investing more than $25 million CAD (about $18 million USD) in 33 projects to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging availability, decarbonize freight transportation, and develop innovative technologies for medium- and heavy-duty trucks.
Claude Guay, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, made the announcement on Wednesday, noting that the funding will help make zero-emission vehicles more practical for both Canadian families and businesses while driving innovation in the automotive sector.
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is contributing over $9.7 million to 23 projects through the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP), which will add more than 850 EV chargers nationwide — at workplaces, multi-unit residential buildings, public spaces, and along highways.
“We are taking bold steps to make Canada an energy superpower,” said Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson, pointing to the benefits for Quebec EV owners and local industry.
Guay added, “With today’s announcement, we are accelerating the transition to zero emission vehicles with the installation of more than 850 additional EV chargers across Canada, many of which will be in Quebec, and by empowering breakthrough Canadian technologies that improve electric vehicle performance, safety and reliability in Canada.”
An additional $8 million will go toward six projects under the Energy Innovation Program (EIP), aimed at advancing the medium- and heavy-duty vehicle sectors, tackling operational challenges for electric fleets, and building Canadian intellectual property. Meanwhile, $7.9 million from the Green Freight Program (GFP) will fund four projects to help the transportation, construction, and public works industries modernize fleets, cut fuel costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The announcement comes as Canada has yet to reintroduce a federal EV rebate program, which was suspended earlier this year. Last month, the federal government approved over $43 million in previously disputed iZEV subsidies claimed by Tesla.
