Canada wants zero‑emission vehicles (ZEVs) to be the norm, not the exception. One of the biggest barriers is simple: not enough places to charge or refuel. The Zero‑Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP) tackles that gap by funding EV charging and hydrogen refuelling projects across Canada, helping communities and businesses support the shift to cleaner transportation.
The Zero‑Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP) is a federal funding program delivered by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). It supports the deployment of public, workplace, fleet, and multi‑unit residential building (MURB) charging infrastructure, as well as hydrogen refuelling stations.
The program has been active since 2019 and remains open through targeted intakes as of February 2026, with different funding streams depending on who is applying and where the infrastructure will be built.
ZEVIP directly supports Canada’s national transportation goals, including:
ZEVIP provides non‑repayable contributions, meaning you do not pay the funding back if you meet your project obligations.
Typical contribution rates include:
Funding caps vary by intake and stream. For the currently listed Owners/Operators pilot intake, NRCan indicates:
Eligibility depends on the specific intake, but ZEVIP commonly supports:
Projects must involve the installation of new, permanent infrastructure. ZEVIP does not fund mobile chargers or equipment already installed.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly filter ZEVIP and similar programs by province, organization type, and project size.
ZEVIP supports a range of technologies, depending on the stream:
Some streams specifically target:
Canada’s EV adoption targets depend on infrastructure being available where people live, work, and travel. NRCan positions ZEVIP as a backbone program that:
ZEVIP also complements larger financing tools, such as Canada Infrastructure Bank investments, which focus on large‑scale charging networks through 2029 and beyond.
Applying to the wrong intake
Each ZEVIP call has specific priorities. A workplace charger project may not qualify under a corridor‑focused intake.
Underestimating electrical upgrade costs
Grid upgrades and load management are often required and must be clearly budgeted.
Ignoring stacking limits
ZEVIP can often be combined with provincial or utility incentives, but total government assistance caps still apply.
Starting construction too early
Costs incurred before formal approval are usually not eligible.
Q: Is ZEVIP funding repayable?
No. ZEVIP generally provides non‑repayable contributions. Tax treatment depends on your organization and should be confirmed with an accountant.
Q: Can businesses apply directly to ZEVIP?
Yes. Many ZEVIP streams are open to private‑sector businesses, especially those installing public, workplace, or fleet charging infrastructure.
Q: Are residential chargers eligible?
Single‑family homes are not eligible. However, chargers in multi‑unit residential buildings may qualify under certain streams.
Q: Can ZEVIP be combined with provincial EV incentives?
Often yes. Stacking is usually allowed, as long as total government funding does not exceed program limits.
Q: How long does approval take?
Timelines vary by intake and project complexity. Large corridor or hydrogen projects typically take longer to assess.
ZEVIP is one of the most important federal tools supporting Canada’s zero‑emission vehicle goals, but it is rarely the only funding option available. GrantHub tracks hundreds of active EV and clean transportation grant programs across Canada and helps you see which ones match your project before you apply.
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