Now Open for Project Applications: Calls for the Green Freight Program and the Zero-Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative

December 12, 2022              Mississauga, Ontario               Natural Resources Canada

Investing in green technology is good not only for the environment but also for the economy. And creating a prosperous net-zero future includes transforming transportation technologies. Freight transportation is critical to the Canadian economy yet currently accounts for over 10 percent of Canada’s overall climate-warming emissions. That is why the Government of Canada is investing in initiatives that build a low-emissions transportation sector and help companies thrive in a decarbonized industry while creating healthier, affordable, more sustainable communities for future generations.

Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, opened two calls for the Green Freight Program and the Zero-Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative’s (ZEVAI) new medium- and heavy-duty stream to help drivers save money at the pump while contributing to Canada’s fight against climate change. 

The Honourable Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport, was pleased to announce these calls on December 2 in Mississauga, Ontario, on behalf of Minister Wilkinson.

Green Freight Program

The first call for applications will fund successful projects under the $200-million Green Freight Program (GFP) to help fleets reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from on-road freight. Stream 1 of the GFP is designed to support investments in third-party fleet energy assessments and retrofits, such as aerodynamic devices, anti-idling equipment and fuel-efficient tires, to name a few. Successful applicants could each receive grants of up to $250,000 toward these activities.

Applications for this call will be accepted until funding is no longer available.

Zero-Emission Vehicle Awareness Initiative

The second call for proposals focuses on awareness and education projects through the ZEVAI new medium- and heavy-duty vehicle (MHDV) stream. This expansion of the existing program will support outreach, education and capacity-building projects related to low- and zero-emission MHDVs, which include delivery vans, buses and certain long-haul freight trucks. 

By improving awareness and confidence among businesses and fleet owners, ZEVAI projects will support more widespread adoption of these vehicles, further driving the decarbonization of the MHDV sector across the country. 

Successful applicants from for-profit organizations could each receive up to 50 percent of their total project costs, to a maximum of $100,000 for one-year projects and $200,000 for two-year projects. Governments, not-for-profit and Indigenous organizations could each receive up to 75 percent of total project costs, to a maximum of $150,000 for one-year projects and $300,000 for two-year projects. 

This call for proposals will close on March 13, 2023.

Since 2016, Canada has invested over $1 billion to make electric vehicles (EVs) more affordable and chargers more accessible for Canadians. These investments are supporting the establishment of a coast-to-coast network of chargers in local areas where Canadians live, work and play, while federal rebates of up to $5,000 are helping more Canadians make the switch to an EV.  

Addressing gaps in zero-emission vehicle knowledge and experience remains vital to supporting the transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), as studies show that one of the primary barriers to adoption is low familiarity with ZEVs and relevant infrastructure. Using a three-pronged approach of increased awareness, purchase incentives and infrastructure deployment is key to growing public confidence in ZEVs and will help put Canada in the fast lane to net zero. 

Through these new initiatives, the federal government is helping businesses save money, reduce pollution and decarbonize the fleet of today as they prepare for the adoption of the ZEVs of the future.