Education and awareness project funding supports projects that address gaps in awareness, knowledge and public and industry confidence in the charging of light-duty zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) and/or the use and opportunities provided by clean fuels. This opportunity helps fund outreach, education, and capacity-building activities, ultimately enabling greater adoption of ZEVs and clean fuels by Canadians in all regions of the country.
Education and awareness project funding – EV Charging and Clean Fuels
Status: This call for proposals is now open until April 30, 2025 11:59 pm EST.
Supports projects that address gaps in awareness, knowledge and public and industry confidence in the charging of light-duty zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) and/or the use and opportunities provided by clean fuels.
ZEVAI Indigenous-led projects pilot
Status: Call for proposals with continuous intake open until March 31, 2025, or until funds are fully allocated.
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.
What are zero emission vehicles?
ZEVs are vehicles that do not produce polluting exhaust, including fully battery-electric, plug-in hybrid electric, and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. Given that ZEVs are “fuelled” and maintained differently than conventional vehicles, Canadians are unfamiliar with how they work. They need proof that a ZEV can provide an equal or better driving experience and value when compared with a conventional internal combustion engine vehicle.
Nationwide surveys repeatedly show that this lack of awareness, knowledge, and public confidence is a key barrier to adoption of ZEVs on a wider scale. Therefore, addressing gaps in ZEV knowledge and experience for consumers and businesses is critical to supporting Canadians through the decision-making process for purchasing a ZEV.
Background
The Government of Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reductions Plan outlines a target to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 40 percent below 2005 levels by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
With on-road transportation accounting for about 18 percent of Canada’s total GHG emissions, Canada must continue accelerating its transition to zero-emission vehicles. Key barriers to the adoption of ZEVs include public and industry concerns about the charging, charging infrastructure and the operation of electric vehicles. These concerns often stem from gaps in knowledge and first-hand experience with charging infrastructure.
In addition, clean fuels such as clean hydrogen, advanced biofuels, liquid synthetic fuels, and renewable natural gas will play a critical role in hard-to-decarbonize sectors, including certain industries and medium- and heavy-duty freight. Significant gaps in awareness and understanding of the use and opportunities provided by clean fuels is hindering acceptance and adoption in Canada.