Zero-Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative (ZEVAI): Up to 50%/$50k in Funding

UPDATE: This program is closed and not accepting applications. This page will be updated once a new deadline is announced.

The electrification of vehicles has come a long way, with more and more Canadians and global automotive customers shifting their mindset away from internal combustion engines (ICEs). As more consumers are beginning to understand the technology and feel comfortable investing in electric vehicles, this trend is dominating the transportation industry. With this said, to achieve the federal government’s targets of zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) capturing 10% of light-duty vehicles (LDV) sales per year by 2025, 30% by 2030, and 100% by 2040, there needs to be a stronger focus on initiatives designed to increase availability, awareness, and use of lower-carbon transportation options.

Natural Resources Canada has recently announced their Zero-Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative, which provides up to $50k for projects that address knowledge gaps and awareness among Canadians on ZEV technologies.

The Zero-Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative is accepting applications for Canadian government funding until September 20, 2019. Projects should be completed by March 31, 2020.

About the Zero-Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative

Buying a vehicle is one of the biggest financial investments Canadians make, but there is more effort and proof required to transform society to the viewpoint that a ZEV can provide an equal or better driving experience and value in comparison to a conventional vehicle. The Zero-Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative is intended to increase consumer awareness and education to move Canadians through the consumer continuum to ZEV adoption.

The Initiative will provide up to 50% of total project costs, with a maximum contribution amount of $50,000 per project.

Funding via the program is available for projects that aim to increase awareness of ZEVs through outreach and education, improve awareness of public charging and refueling infrastructure activities, advance knowledge and support capacity-building, and better support a greater adoption of ZEVs by Canadians.

Applicant Eligibility: Zero-Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative

To be eligible to receive government funding for zero-emission vehicle awareness, applicants should be legal valid incorporated organizations in Canada (not-for-profit or for-profit) including:

• Companies;
• Electricity or gas utilities;
• Standards organizations;
• Industry associations;
• Research associations;
• Academic institutions;
• Indigenous and community groups; and
• Provincial, territorial, regional, or municipal governments or their departments or agencies where applicable.

Eligible Projects: Zero-Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative

Projects seeking Canadian government funding via the Zero-Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative must take place in Canada and be completed prior to March 31, 2020. Projects are to address Canada’s awareness and knowledge gaps on ZEV technologies and may include, but are not limited to, the following activities:

• Establishing showcase facilities;
• Targeted outreach and awareness campaign;
• Developing training material and practice guides for target audience;
• Establishing a web-based resource and information portal;
• Implementing a test drive and trial program;
• Increasing visibility of charging infrastructure; and
• Increasing workplace charging awareness among employees.

Eligible Expenses for Zero-Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative Funding

• Travel costs;
• Capital expenditures;
• Rental fees and leasing costs;
• Professional services;
• License and permit fees;
• Salaries and benefits;
• Overhead directly related to the project; and
• Costs associated with environmental assessments.

Ineligible Expenses for Zero-Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative Funding

• In-kind;
• Land and legal costs; and
• Expenses made prior to approval.

Apply for the Zero-Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative

The Zero-Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative is open and accepting applications. The program has an upcoming deadline of September 20, 2019.

To learn more about the program and discuss if your upcoming project is positioned to succeed, please contact Mentor Works. We can also help optimize the application and reporting process.