Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Support Program (Canada)

The Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP), administered by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), provides up to $2,000,000 per project to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure across Canada. Eligible organizations may submit up to two project proposals per intake. The program aims to remove infrastructure barriers to zero-emission vehicle adoption and accelerate Canada’s transition to low-carbon transportation.

What Is the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program?

The Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP) is a federal funding initiative designed to increase the availability of localized charging and hydrogen refuelling stations across Canada.

The program supports infrastructure deployment where Canadians:

• Live

• Work

• Travel

• Shop

• Play

ZEVIP addresses a key barrier to electric vehicle (EV) and hydrogen vehicle adoption: limited access to reliable and accessible refuelling infrastructure.

Program Objective

The primary objective of ZEVIP is to:

• Accelerate zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) adoption

• Expand EV charging infrastructure

• Increase hydrogen refuelling availability

• Support cleaner transportation systems

• Promote sustainable mobility

By improving access to charging and hydrogen stations, the program helps communities transition toward low-carbon transportation.

Why This Program Matters

Transportation is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in Canada.

Limited charging and refuelling infrastructure discourages consumers and businesses from switching to:

• Battery electric vehicles (BEVs)

• Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs)

• Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs)

ZEVIP helps:

• Reduce emissions

• Improve air quality

• Support Canada’s climate commitments

• Encourage investment in clean technology

• Strengthen sustainable transportation networks

Funding Details

• Maximum contribution per project: $2,000,000

• Funding provider: Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)

• Project type: Infrastructure deployment

• Intake limit: Maximum of two proposals per applicant per intake

Funding supports the installation of:

• EV charging stations

• Hydrogen refuelling stations

Projects must improve access in strategic, high-impact locations.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must be legal entities incorporated or registered in Canada or abroad.

Eligible Entities

• Electric utilities

• Private companies

• Industry associations

• Indigenous businesses listed in the Indigenous Business Directory

• Community groups

• Provincial governments

• Territorial governments

• Regional governments

• Municipal governments

• Government departments and agencies

Not Eligible

• Individual applicants

• Federal public administration bodies

• Crown corporations

• Federal agencies

• Softwood lumber companies

• Companies vertically integrated with softwood lumber companies

Applicants must meet all NRCan program requirements to qualify.

What Types of Projects Are Supported?

ZEVIP supports infrastructure projects that:

• Deploy EV charging stations

• Install hydrogen refuelling stations

• Increase accessibility in underserved areas

• Improve charging convenience in public and private spaces

• Support workplace and community charging

Projects should demonstrate:

• Strategic site selection

• Strong demand or projected usage

• Technical feasibility

• Implementation readiness

How ZEVIP Works

ZEVIP provides cost-shared funding to eligible entities to deploy infrastructure in strategic locations.

Funding aims to:

1. Remove charging access barriers

2. Increase consumer confidence in zero-emission vehicles

3. Support regional transportation electrification

4. Expand hydrogen fuel networks

Projects are evaluated based on alignment with program objectives and infrastructure impact.

How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your organization:

• Is legally incorporated or registered

• Falls within the eligible categories

• Is not listed under ineligible groups

Step 2: Identify Strategic Deployment Locations

Select sites that:

• Serve residential communities

• Support workplaces

• Increase highway corridor coverage

• Improve urban or rural accessibility

Step 3: Develop a Project Plan

Your proposal should include:

• Technical specifications

• Infrastructure type (Level 2, DC fast charging, hydrogen refuelling, etc.)

• Budget breakdown

• Implementation timeline

• Impact projections

Step 4: Prepare Financial Documentation

• Ensure total request does not exceed $2,000,000 per project

• Confirm cost-sharing requirements

• Demonstrate financial capacity

Step 5: Submit Proposal (Maximum Two Per Intake)

Applicants may submit up to two project proposals during each intake period.

Incomplete submissions may not be considered.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Submitting more than two proposals per intake

2. Requesting more than $2,000,000 per project

3. Failing to demonstrate strategic site selection

4. Submitting applications as ineligible entities

5. Providing unclear cost estimates

6. Lacking evidence of infrastructure demand

Well-structured, location-focused proposals have stronger chances of success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much funding can a project receive?

Each project can receive up to $2,000,000.

2. How many proposals can one applicant submit?

Each applicant may submit a maximum of two project proposals per intake.

3. Are individuals eligible to apply?

No. Individuals are not eligible for funding.

4. Are federal departments eligible?

No. Federal public administration bodies and Crown corporations are not eligible.

5. What types of vehicles does the program support?

The program supports infrastructure for battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

6. Can Indigenous businesses apply?

Yes. Indigenous businesses listed in the Indigenous Business Directory are eligible.

7. Does the program support hydrogen refuelling stations?

Yes. Both EV charging stations and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure are supported.

Key Definitions

Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV): A vehicle that produces no tailpipe emissions, including battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

EV Charging Station: Infrastructure used to recharge electric vehicle batteries.

Hydrogen Refuelling Station: Infrastructure that supplies hydrogen fuel for fuel cell electric vehicles.

Low-Carbon Transportation: Transport systems that significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Conclusion

The Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP) is a major funding initiative supporting Canada’s transition to cleaner transportation. With up to $2,000,000 available per project and eligibility for utilities, companies, Indigenous businesses, and local governments, the program accelerates EV and hydrogen infrastructure deployment nationwide.

Organizations seeking to expand charging or hydrogen refuelling networks should prepare strategic, technically sound proposals aligned with NRCan’s infrastructure objectives. Expanding access to zero-emission refuelling is essential for building a sustainable, low-carbon transportation future across Canada.