Status: This call for proposals is now open until February 19, 2026.
The objective of this call for proposals will be to support national and regional outreach and education projects that measurably increase public, industry and local government knowledge and confidence related to light-duty electric vehicle (EV) charging, charging infrastructure, and EV ownership and operationFootnote 1.
Transitioning to net zero
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.
Learn more about driving toward a greener future by checking out the zero-emission vehicles information hub.
Areas of focus
NRCan is seeking to support projects that focus on EV charging education, such as basic charging knowledge (e.g. physical interaction, use of apps, charging standards etc.), demystifying home charging, MURB charging, battery life concerns and more through two areas of focus.
Area of focus 1 - EV test drives and experiential charging education
Support for projects that include experiential charging education for the general public and commercial drivers, including EV test drive campaigns to attract undecided Canadians, with charging experiences that include winter/cold weather test drives and/ education on all aspects of EVs.
Area of focus 2 - Resources and education for enablers
Support for projects that include the development of resources and education for enablers, such as corporate decision-makers, large employers, fleet managers, municipal planners/governments, EV salespeople, utilities, schoolteachers and first responders.
Project timing
Successful projects are anticipated to start in spring 2026 and end no later than September 30, 2027. NRCan funding must be fully expended by March 31, 2027.
Examples of project activities
- Outreach campaigns, with priority given to projects featuring hands on learning
- Events and activities such as test drive and trial programsFootnote *, mobile showcases, and ambassador or mentorship programs, including in underserved areas with a focus on driving range, total ownership costs and winter performance.
- Interactive educational activities for enablers (policymakers, decision makers, etc.) on effective policy options, permitting, purchasing and other aspects related to EV charging infrastructure deployment, and the ownership and operation of EVs.
NOTE: The following project types are out of scope for this call for proposals: technician training programs, online/digital-only projects for the general public, and vehicle-only education projects. All projects must include charging education.
Geographic reach: All projects must be national in reach or regionally focused on an underserved region of Canada. For the purposes of this funding opportunity, underserved areas are defined as the Territories, Prairie Provinces, Atlantic Canada, rural areas, or marginalized or racialized urban communities.
Who can apply
To be considered for funding under the program, applicants must be:
- organizations and legal entities validly incorporated or registeredFootnote ** 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, or
- international legal entities validly incorporated or registered abroad, including for-profit and not-for-profit organizations such as:
- private sector companies
- industry associations
- research associations
- standards organizations; and,
- academic institutions
How to apply
This call for proposals is now open and accepting applications. To request an application package, please email awareness-projects.projets-de-sensibilisation@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca with the subject line “Request for Application Package: Education and Awareness Projects Call for Proposals.”
The deadline to submit your proposal and supporting documentation is February 19, 2026, at 23:59 Eastern Standard Time for projects to be completed by no later than September 30, 2027 (with all NRCan funding fully expended by March 31, 2027).
Request an application package
Review the application guide and complete your proposal.
Required documentation for your proposal includes:
- Application Form (Word)
- Budget Overview (Excel)
- Attestations
- Supporting documentation, including financial declarations
Please refer to the Application Guide for additional details.
Submit your application
Applicants must submit a complete application by email or by hard copy via courier or registered mail by February 19, 2026, at 23:59 Eastern Standard Time. Please refer to Section 1.11 of the Application Guide for more details.
The submission of an application creates no obligation on the part of Natural Resources Canada to provide funding for the proposed project.
Application guide
Electric vehicle Test Drives and Charging Education application guide
Successful applicants and past projects
Explore past successful projects
News and FAQs
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Can my project have more than one area of focus?
Applicants must indicate one primary area of focus in their application. If a proposal spans the two eligible focus areas, applicants are permitted to select a secondary area of focus. Proposals must clearly demonstrate alignment with the area(s) of focus identified.
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Can projects commence prior to signing a contribution agreement with NRCan?
Successful applicants can start their projects upon receipt of the Letter of Conditional Approval from NRCan. However, expenses incurred prior to the signing of a contribution agreement with NRCan s may be counted toward total project costs, they are not eligible for NRCan reimbursement.
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What is the timeline for NRCan funding?
Successful applicants can start their projects upon receipt of the Letter of Conditional Approval from NRCan, and end by September 30, 2027. Note NRCan funding must be fully expended by March 31, 2027.
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Service standards
Our goal is to achieve our service standards a minimum of 80% of the time under normal circumstances:
- responding to general inquiries made to our email address within 5 business days
- reviewing the completeness of your application and replying within 3 business days
- assessing your application and sending you an approval or a rejection notification letter within 100 days of the call for proposal deadline
- sending a draft contribution agreement for review within 30 business days of issuing the Letter of Conditional Approval (if applicable)
- reviewing payment claims within 15 business days
- sending a payment within 30 business days of receipt of a duly completed and documented payment claim
Contact us
Any questions must be sent by email to: awareness-projects.projets-de-sensibilisation@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca