As part of its ongoing efforts to “get the word out about EVs,” Natural Resources Canada announced the latest ZEVAI program funding recipients and the launch of a new ZEV Online Hub at the EV & Charging Expo 2023

Natural Resources Canada is investing $5.9 million to support 28 organizations undertaking zero-emission awareness projects across the country. The money comes from the latest round of Zero-Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative (ZEVAI) funding.

The government is also launching a new Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Online Hub. The aim is to consolidate ZEV-related information that, until now, has been spread across various government websites.

Julie Dabrusin, parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources and the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, was on hand at the inaugural EV & Charging Expo 2023 at the Enercare Centre in Toronto to make the announcements.

“The government’s working to get the word out about EVs and the many benefits of driving these vehicles. But we can’t do it alone,” says Dabrusin. “What we need to do is help to get Canadians on board to feel comfortable with this decision. And to know that this is a really good choice.”

The EV & Charging Expo 2023, hosted by Electric Autonomy, is one of the 28 initiatives receiving NRCan ZEVAI funding. It received $198,709.

The Expo is a two-day trade show and conference. It brings together fleet operators, building owners, municipal planners and others seeking to incorporate zero-emission vehicles and infrastructure into their operations.

NRCan ZEVAI funding recipients

Additionally to Electric Autonomy, NRCan ZEVAI funding has been awarded to the following organizations:

• $300,000 to Elexicon Group Inc. in Whitby, Ont., to deploy a ZEV ride-sharing service in under-represented EV markets in Canada;
• $300,000 to the British Columbia Institute of Technology in Burnaby to demonstrate the positive attributes of passenger EVs;
• $300,000 to the University of Ontario Institute of Technology in Oshawa to create a micro-mobility pilot and educational campaigns;
• $300,000 to The Discovery Centre in Halifax to showcase EV science and technology through an exhibit and an outreach program;
• $300,000 to Our Greenway Conservancy in Toronto to improve knowledge of electric cargo bikes;
• $299,328 to the Electric Vehicle Association of Alberta in Edmonton to boost ZEV awareness and adoption across the Prairies;
• $297,000 to Electric Mobility Canada in Île-des-Sœurs, Que., to develop a comprehensive ZEV training curriculum for vehicle salespeople; 
• $296,085 to Drive Electric NL Inc. in St. Philip’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, to help businesses implement workplace charging for employees through a targeted outreach campaign;
• $296,338 to the New Brunswick Lung Association in Fredericton to teach high school students about ZEV commuting;
• $225,000 to Women in Renewable Energy in Toronto to launch a ZEV education campaign and organize a ZEV career fair;
• $225,000 to the City of Fredericton to increase knowledge and use of public EV charging stations and electric micro-mobility devices;
• $219,875 to Energy Mix Productions Inc. in Ottawa to promote the benefits of ZEVs in low-income rural and remote communities;
• $210,000 to Eco-West Canada in Winnipeg to engage rural communities and increase knowledge of ZEVs through a series of on-the-road EV demonstration events;
• $200,000 to Destrier Electric in Montreal to design and deliver an interactive platform and vehicle trial program around ZEVs and electric micro-mobility options;
• $200,000 to SafeDrivers PEI in Kensington to grow the exposure of ZEV technologies for new drivers by adding EV information to driver and fleet training materials; 
• $200,000 to Transit, Inc. in Montreal to enhance the e-scooter and e-bike trip planning experience in the Transit app across Canada;
• $184,369 to Mogile Technologies Inc. in Pointe-Claire, Que., to demonstrate network operability using Mogile’s ChargeHub Passport among existing and prospective EV drivers and light-duty fleet operators;
• $179,999 to The Pollution Probe Foundation in Toronto to execute annual surveys of EV charging experiences;
• $177,809 to the Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care Inc. in Halifax to support public and industry awareness and confidence in zero-emission vehicles;
• $174,000 to the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association in Edmonton to launch a multifaceted light-duty ZEV awareness and education campaign;
• $127,748 to Conseil régional de l’environnement du Centre-du-Québec in Drummondville to promote the use of electric micro-mobility options;
• $124,198 to The Corporation of the City of Barrie, Ont., to research and analyze EV and EV supply equipment knowledge in the community; 
• $120,550 to Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere in Parry Sound, Ont., to address barriers to the adoption of light-duty ZEVs and e-bikes in the Georgian Bay Biosphere region;
• $118,000 to the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg to raise awareness, knowledge and confidence in ZEVs;
• $117,750 to the Grand River Malayalee Association in Cambridge, Ont., to create an engagement and awareness campaign for the general public;
• $110,790 to Scout Environmental in Toronto to develop a web-based interactive battery EV guide for residents in partnership with the Oshawa Power and Utilities Corporation; and
• $95,000 to InerScience Inc. in Lasalle, Que., to improve the adoption of e-bikes in the region.

“These projects will help to answer key questions from Canadians,” says Dabrusin. “The selected projects are a chance to be able to get that awareness out there.”

More accessible ZEV info

Chiefly, the aim of the ZEV Online Hub is to enhance the accessibility of information concerning ZEV federal policies and investments.

“On it, you’ll find the information you need on zero-emission vehicle programs, regulatory activity and industry collaboration,” says Dabrusin. “For Canadians who are curious about zero-emission vehicles, they can find information on the cost benefits, how charging works and what funding is available to support the switch [to zero-emission vehicles].”

Additionally, the Hub includes an interactive map that can help EV drivers find charging stations anywhere across North America.

“Initiatives like these are critical in helping Canadians to see the future that we’re investing in and one where there are options for clean and active mobility [that are] accessible and help us to fight climate change,” says Dabrusin.