Natural Resources Canada’s Education and Awareness Project Funding aims to address key barriers to mass adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) - low confidence and awareness among Canadians, related to EV charging, charging infrastructure, and the operation and ownership of EVs. This funding opportunity supports Canada’s transition to net-zero emissions by cost-sharing projects that increase confidence and practical understanding of EV charging through experiential learning and targeted education for key enablers.
Education and awareness project funding – Electric Vehicle Test Drives and Charging Education
Status: This call for proposals is now open until February 19, 2026.
Supports national and regional outreach and education projects that measurably increase public, industry and local government knowledge and confidence related to light-duty electric vehicle charging, charging infrastructure, vehicle ownership and operation.
ZEVAI Indigenous-led projects pilot
Status: This intake for proposals is now closed.
The pilot program's continuous intake for proposals was open from March, 2023 to March, 2025. Nineteen Indigenous-led EV and clean fuels awareness and education projects have been supported, with all scheduled for completion by no later than March 2026. Information on some of those projects, along with key learnings gained by NRCan, can be found here. Indigenous-led organizations are encouraged to apply to the general call for proposals.
What are zero emission vehicles?
Zero-emission vehicles, or 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.