Canada Raises Awareness on Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles

March 3, 2021                                               Vancouver, British Columbia                                   Natural Resources Canada

Canada will grow a domestic hydrogen economy, providing economic and environmental benefits nationally, lowering emissions in sectors like transportation and positioning hydrogen as a key component of our net-zero future.

The Honourable Seamus O’Regan Jr., Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, today announced $46,000 in funding to the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association (CHFCA) to promote the benefits of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV), such as short refuelling times that make them a great option for industries like busing and trucking.

This initiative will increase knowledge on hydrogen fuel cell technology across the municipal sector, equipping Canadian jurisdictions with the know-how to lower emissions across the transportation sector. The goal is to accelerate adoption of FCEVs by government and private sector fleets by raising awareness of the benefits of getting more of them on Canadian roads.

Federal funding for this initiative is through Natural Resources Canada’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative, supporting the government’s goal of 100 percent zero-emission passenger vehicle sales by 2040.   CHFCA is also investing in the project, bringing the total funding to $121,000.

Today’s announcement complements existing Government of Canada programs facilitating greater zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) deployment, including $600 million for EV and alternative fuel infrastructure deployment, which has resulted in the deployment of eight hydrogen refuelling stations so far.

The government is providing incentives of up to $5,000 to increase affordability and accessibility for Canadian consumers to buy ZEVs, including fuel cell electric vehicles, and full tax write-offs for businesses purchasing them. The government’s commitment to widespread ZEV deployment was re-affirmed in Canada’s strengthened climate plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, through an additional $150 million for EV chargers and hydrogen stations, as well as an additional $287 million for purchasing incentives for Canadians.

Addressing gaps in knowledge and understanding of the benefits of hydrogen deployment is an important part of the recently released Hydrogen Strategy for Canada — a call to action to grow hydrogen opportunities across Canada and position us as a global hydrogen leader.

The government will continue to deliver on our commitments to foster greater ZEV deployment, creating good, middle-class jobs, advancing Canada’s low-carbon future and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.