The government of Canada has announced investments in 33 projects different projects aimed at improving EV adoption. This includes funding the installation of charger networks; freight and logistics projects; plus fleet modernisation.
The projects are split into three main categories. The bulk of funding, $9.7m CAD, will go to 23 projects that specifically focus on improving charging infrastructure across Canada. This will see the installation of over 850 chargers through the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP), with the aim of improving access to EV charging in public spaces.
Looking at the details, many of these investments seem to be concentrated in Quebec, and cover a mix of both Level 2 and fast chargers. For example, one recipient, Funding Quebec, received $3m CAD and plans to install 320 Level 2 chargers in public places. Others, such as Kruger Energie, Zone Signature, and Quebec Airport will all use the funds to install both fast chargers and Level 2 chargers. Some of the recipients also have more specific goals beyond public charging, such as IKEA Distribution Services in Quebec, which has received $300,000 CAD to install Level 3 chargers for its heavy-duty drayage distribution trucks; or the University Hospital of Montreal which will use $100,000 CAD to install chargers for its ambulance fleet.
After that, there’s the Energy Innovation Program (EIP). This is receiving $8m CAD to fund six projects targeted at the medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicle sectors under what has been coined the ‘On-road Transportation Decarbonisation’ scheme. Essentially, this focuses on technological development of new solutions for on-road transportation including battery-electric and fuel cell power trains plus infrastructure.
For example, $2,000,000 CAD will go to Montreal-based Gamotech Inc, which plans to develop mobile auxiliary energy storage and distribution systems for heavy-duty trucks that can provide auxiliary power to construction site equipment. A number of other projects are focused on lithum-ion batteries, either developing more durable batteries, optimising their charging processes, or improve their performance for northern or remote regions.
Finally, the remaining $7.9m CAD goes to four projects under the Green Freight Program (GFP) umbrella. These focus on decarbonising fleets in the transportation, construction and public works sectors by purchasing alternative fuel vehicles or through vehicle repowering. All of these investments will go towards natural gas-powered trucks.
This funding initiative is the latest instalment in more than $1 billion CAD of investments from the Canadian government. Claude Guay, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, commented: “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.”
canada.ca
