The Government of Canada has announced a $25 million investment to accelerate the country’s shift toward zero-emission transportation, funding 33 projects that will expand electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, advance battery innovation, and modernize commercial fleets.
Boosting EV Charging Infrastructure
The largest portion of the funding—$9.7 million—comes from Natural Resources Canada’s (NRCan) Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP). This will support 23 projects installing over 850 new EV chargers nationwide, with most located in Quebec. Installations will include a mix of Level 2 and DC fast chargers in public spaces, workplaces, multi-unit residential buildings, and along highways.
Major recipients include Propulsion Québec, which will add 320 Level 2 chargers across the province, and Les Pétroles R.L. Inc., which will deploy 62 chargers, including 34 fast-charging units. Other projects will target specialized needs—such as IKEA’s installation of heavy-duty truck chargers in Beauharnois, and the University Hospital of Montreal’s chargers for ambulance fleets.
Advancing Battery and Fleet Technology
Another $8 million is allocated through the Energy Innovation Program (EIP) to fund six projects that tackle challenges in the medium- and heavy-duty vehicle sector. These initiatives focus on improving battery performance, developing vehicle-to-grid charging solutions, and optimizing charging in remote and northern climates.
Highlights include Gamotech Inc., which is creating mobile auxiliary energy storage units for heavy-duty trucks to power construction and municipal equipment, and Calogy Solutions, developing high-voltage lithium-ion battery prototypes for commercial vehicles.
Greener Commercial Transportation
The remaining $7.9 million comes from NRCan’s Green Freight Program (GFP), supporting four projects that will help transportation, construction, and public works fleets transition to cleaner operations. This includes purchasing trucks powered by compressed and renewable natural gas, lowering both emissions and fuel costs.
Aligning with National Climate Goals
Transportation accounts for roughly 18% of Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions, with a significant share from heavy-duty vehicles. The new investments align with Canada’s ZEV mandate, which requires 20% of new vehicle sales to be zero-emission by 2026, ramping up to 100% by 2035.
To support these targets, Ottawa aims to have 50,000 public EV chargers installed nationwide by 2030. Currently, NRCan data shows about 13,623 public charging stations in operation.
