Expanding Electric Vehicle Infrastructure: Canada Plans to Install Over 850 Electric Chargers, Using $18 Million for Zero-Emission Efforts
Canada Invests $25 Million in Electric Vehicle Infrastructure and Freight Decarbonization
Canada is investing over $25 million CAD to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, decarbonize freight transportation, and drive innovation in medium- and heavy-duty truck technologies.
The investment breakdown includes:
- $9.7 million from Natural Resources Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP) to fund 23 projects installing over 850 EV chargers nationwide. These projects will focus on a mix of Level 2 and DC fast chargers in public spaces, workplaces, multi-unit residential buildings, and highways. Major recipients include Propulsion Québec ($3 million for 320 Level 2 chargers) and Les Pétroles R.L. Inc. ($1.77 million for 62 chargers including 34 fast chargers), with other specific deployments like heavy-duty truck chargers at IKEA and ambulance fleet chargers at the University Hospital of Montreal.
- $8 million via the Energy Innovation Program (EIP) supporting six projects aimed at technology innovation in the medium- and heavy-duty vehicle sector. These projects focus on battery performance improvements, vehicle-to-grid charging, and solutions for challenging environments, such as mobile energy storage units by Gamotech Inc. and high-voltage battery prototypes by Calogy Solutions.
- $7.9 million through the Green Freight Program (GFP) funding four projects that modernize commercial, industrial, and municipal vehicle fleets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fuel costs, thereby promoting decarbonization of freight transportation.
In total, these combined programs support a coordinated effort to grow EV infrastructure, advance zero-emission freight technologies, and foster innovation in Canadian electric vehicle sectors, especially for medium- and heavy-duty trucks.
Summary Table:
| Program | Funding Amount | Focus Area | Highlights | |-----------------------------------------|----------------|-------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------| | Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP) | $9.7 million | Installation of 850+ EV chargers | Mix of Level 2 and DC fast chargers; includes public, workplace, residential, and highway chargers | | Energy Innovation Program (EIP) | $8 million | Innovative tech for medium- & heavy-duty vehicles | Battery improvements, vehicle-to-grid, remote climate solutions | | Green Freight Program (GFP) | $7.9 million | Fleet modernization and freight decarbonization | Commercial, industrial, municipal fleets modernization |
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Claude Guay, made the announcement on Wednesday, stating that Canada is taking bold steps to become an energy superpower. Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Tim Hodgson echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the announcement aims to accelerate the transition to zero emission vehicles. The funding will help make zero-emission vehicles more practical for both Canadian families and businesses, while also cutting fuel costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Since 2016, over $1 billion has been allocated nationally for electric vehicle charger deployment, with this most recent $25 million-plus round demonstrating ongoing commitment.
Technology plays a significant role in Canada's investment of over $25 million CAD, with funds allocated for expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure, supporting innovation in medium- and heavy-duty truck technologies, and funding projects aimed at technology innovation in the medium- and heavy-duty vehicle sector.
The Energy Innovation Program (EIP) specifically supports six projects that focus on battery performance improvements, vehicle-to-grid charging, and solutions for challenging environments, such as mobile energy storage units and high-voltage battery prototypes.
