Canada’s government said it will invest in 33 projects aimed at accelerating the country’s shift to electric vehicles (EVs), with funding directed toward expanding charging infrastructure, advancing clean freight technologies, and modernising commercial fleets.
The bulk of the investment – C$9.7 million ($7.1 million) – will support 23 projects to install more than 850 chargers nationwide under the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP). Much of the new infrastructure will be in Quebec and will include both Level 2 and fast chargers. Recipients include Funding Quebec, awarded C$3 million to deploy 320 Level 2 chargers in public spaces, as well as Kruger Energie, Zone Signature, and Quebec Airport, which will install a mix of charging options.
Six projects will receive C$8 million through the Energy Innovation Program (EIP) to develop medium- and heavy-duty vehicle technologies, including battery-electric and fuel cell systems. Montreal-based Gamotech Inc was allocated C$2 million to create mobile auxiliary energy storage units for heavy trucks that can also power construction site equipment. Other projects target improvements in lithium-ion battery durability, charging optimisation, and performance in cold climates.
The remaining C$7.9 million will go to four projects under the Green Freight Program to decarbonise fleets in transportation, construction, and public works, including through the purchase of natural gas-powered trucks.
“With today’s announcement, we are accelerating the transition to zero emission vehicles with the installation of more than 850 additional EV chargers across Canada, many of which will be in Quebec, and by empowering breakthrough Canadian technologies that improve electric vehicle performance, safety and reliability in Canada,” said Claude Guay, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
The funding forms part of more than C$1 billion the Canadian government has committed to EV-related initiatives in recent years.