OVIN — Electric Vehicle (EV) — Stream 1

For Ontario companies working on electric vehicle and battery-related technologies, moving from development to real-world demonstration can be both expensive and complex. OVIN’s Electric Vehicle (EV) Stream 1 is designed to help bridge that gap by supporting collaborative R&D projects that validate, test, and showcase innovative solutions with strong commercial potential. The program focuses on technologies tied to mass-market light vehicles, heavy-duty and commercial vehicles, charging infrastructure, intelligent transportation systems, and transit-supportive solutions that strengthen Ontario’s EV ecosystem.

Delivered by the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network, this stream emphasizes partnerships between businesses and industry or research collaborators. Funding typically provides co-investment of up to around $100,000, with applicants and private-sector partners contributing a larger share of the overall project costs. Projects are expected to be well beyond early-stage research, targeting practical development, piloting, and demonstration activities that can lead to commercialization. Many supported initiatives involve electrified powertrains, battery technologies, charging and fleet management systems, or emerging areas such as micro-mobility and alternative fuel vehicles.

EV Stream 1 is particularly relevant for Ontario-based small and medium-sized businesses looking to prove their technology with customers, build strategic partnerships, and accelerate time to market. Applications are generally accepted on an ongoing basis, making it a timely option for companies with a defined project and industry collaborators in place. Exploring the full program details can help determine whether your EV innovation is a strong fit for this opportunity.