How much funding can commercial zero-emission vehicle projects get in BC?

If you are planning to deploy electric or hydrogen commercial vehicles in British Columbia, the BC Commercial Vehicle Pilots Program (CVP) is one of the largest funding sources available. The program can cover up to 33% of eligible project costs, with total funding of up to $10 million per project. For fleets facing high upfront vehicle and infrastructure costs, this funding can make a real difference.

How the BC Commercial Vehicle Pilots Program Supports Your Project

The BC Commercial Vehicle Pilots Program is delivered under CleanBC and helps put commercial zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) on the road in several transportation sectors. The program supports pilot projects that lower emissions and collect useful data. This data helps more fleets use green technology in B.C..

Maximum Funding Amounts

Here’s what you need to know about the funding:

Up to $10 million per project is available
Funding usually covers up to 33% of total eligible project costs
Funding is a non-repayable grant, but is generally taxable income

There isn’t a published minimum grant amount. Most projects are large pilots with several vehicles or charging stations.

What Costs Are Covered?

Eligible project costs include:

Buying or leasing new zero-emission commercial vehicles
Building or installing charging or hydrogen fuelling infrastructure
The extra costs compared to regular vehicles
Project planning, engineering, and collecting data for the pilot

Used, re-leased, or previously registered vehicles are not eligible.

Which Zero-Emission Vehicle Projects Qualify?

This program is not just for light-duty EVs. It supports a wide range of commercial and industrial uses, such as:

Medium- and heavy-duty on-road vehicles like trucks and buses
Off-road equipment such as forklifts and port machinery
Marine, rail, and aviation projects
Both battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles

You can include both vehicles and the infrastructure needed to support them in your project. Fleet operators who need to build charging or fuelling stations at their depots can include these infrastructure costs in their application.

Who Can Apply for This Funding?

To apply for this funding, your group must meet certain requirements:

Be based in B.C. as a:
- Business
- Not-for-profit
- Local or Indigenous government
- Eligible public-sector organization (like a school district or health authority)
Hold a valid B.C. business licence (for businesses)
Be the buyer or lessee of the vehicles or infrastructure
Apply on your own or with partners as a consortium

Provincial ministries and Crown corporations are not eligible.

Program Deadlines and Application Process

The BC Commercial Vehicle Pilots Program runs on a first come, first served basis while funds last. This means:

Well-prepared applications are more likely to get funded
Delays in getting your documents ready can mean missing out
Demand depends on how many vehicles are available and how ready the technology is

A tool like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you check if your fleet and project fit the current rules before you start a full application.

Application Tips

Applying for the BC Commercial Vehicle Pilots Program can be competitive. Here are some tips to help your application succeed:

Start early. Collect all required documents and estimates before submitting your application.
Check vehicle and infrastructure eligibility. Confirm that all vehicles and equipment meet program rules.
Budget for all costs. Include grid upgrades, trenching, permits, and other related expenses.
Apply before making purchases. Funding approval must come before you sign agreements to buy or lease vehicles.
Consider partners. If your fleet is small, joining a consortium can strengthen your application and project scope.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Thinking the program covers all costs
The program covers up to 33%. You need to find the rest of the funding yourself.
Including used or already registered vehicles
Only new zero-emission vehicles are allowed.
Applying after ordering vehicles
You need funding approval before you sign purchase or lease agreements.
Forgetting about infrastructure costs
Expenses like grid upgrades, trenching, and permits can add up. Make sure to include these in your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the maximum funding available per project?
Up to $10 million per project, usually capped at 33% of eligible costs.

Q: Can small and mid-sized businesses apply, or is this only for large fleets?
Small and mid-sized businesses based in B.C. can apply if they meet the program’s requirements. Many successful projects come from smaller fleets.

Q: Does the program fund charging or hydrogen infrastructure?
Yes. New or expanded Level 2+ electric charging and hydrogen fuelling infrastructure are eligible.

Q: Is the funding taxable?
In most cases, yes. Grant funding is generally taxable income. Check with your accountant to confirm.

Q: Is this program competitive or first come, first served?
It is first come, first served while funds last, not a scored competition.

GrantHub tracks hundreds of grant programs across Canada, including those for transportation and clean-tech. This can help you find other programs that fit your business.

Next Steps

If you are considering a commercial zero-emission vehicle pilot in B.C., start by estimating your total project cost. Make sure you can fund at least two-thirds of it without this grant. Next, check vehicle and infrastructure eligibility early, as funding is time-sensitive. GrantHub can help you find programs that work together and explain how they fit.

See also:

ZEVIP Explained: How Canada’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program Supports EV Goals
What Business Expenses Are Eligible Across Canadian Grants and Loans?
Repayable vs Non-Repayable Business Funding in Canada: Program Examples Explained

How much funding can commercial zero-emission vehicle projects get in BC?