Between federal and provincial rebates, EVs are more accessible to Canadians than ever before. However, one final hurdle to address is the accessibility of charging stations for these EVs. Natural Resources Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP) aims to address this discrepancy.
While the program has been ongoing for several years, there is one final round of funding to be allocated, and it's only open until September 19. So, if you’ve been thinking about an EV charging installation project for your property or business, you should apply for this funding! You could be missing out on a major kickback – the program covers up to 50%-75% of the project costs to install EVSE.
So, how do you get started? First, you’re invited to join us on Thursday, August 15th, for a brief lunch-and-learn webinar to get the ins and outs of the program from industry experts.
Our team at Electric Avenue has a track record of success when it comes to helping others apply for ZEVIP and delivery organization funding, including being involved in two of the largest awarded applications in ZEVIP history - Killam Properties and, most recently, Polycorp Properties (read the announcement here).
It is through this experience that we’ve gained valuable insights into what goes into a successful application – and we’re willing to help guide you with yours!
Here are our top 5 tips for writing a winning application:
TIP 1: ENSURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE CRITERIA
To even be considered for funding, all EV chargers within the project must meet specific eligibility requirements, including:
- Be located in Canada
- Be for a new installation or expansion of an existing installation (cannot be used to replace existing stations)
- Be networked to a charging network
- Able to be completed within ZEVIPs 30-month timeline (see Tip 2)
- & other key criteria
There are different streams for this funding as well, and your application must align with one of these streams:
Public EV Charging
Your project must increase the number of public charging stations within 1.6 km of Transport Canada’s National Highway System (i.e., highways, core routes, feeder routes, northern or remote routes).
If applying under the Public EV Charging stream, the project must include the installation of a minimum of two fast chargers of 100 kW or above at each location, and they must be available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
OR
The project must include installing a minimum of one 100 kW co-located with existing fast charging infrastructure that will bring the total power output of the location to at least 150 kW
For example, if you have a 50 kW charger on-site, you can apply to add a 100 kW DCFC to bring the total output to 150 kW). The full 150 kW output also needs to be available 24/7.
Community Public EV Charging
Your project must increase the number of public EV chargers in communities where gaps still exist.
For this stream, the project must include the installation of a minimum of two 50 kW or above charging stations.
OR
Include the installation of a minimum of 20 chargers of all stations listed and approved for the ZEVIP program. These 20 stations must be available 24/7, or at least during the location’s business operating hours.
Private EV Charging
Your project must increase the number of EV chargers for private use at existing buildings, such as apartment or condo buildings, workplaces, or fleet servicing locations. To be considered an existing building, the occupancy permit must have been in place by May 2024.
For this stream, the project must include the installation of a minimum of two 50 kW or above charging stations.
OR
Include the installation of a minimum of 20 chargers of all stations listed and approved for the ZEVIP program.
Don’t worry – Electric Avenue’s charging stations are ZEVIP eligible!😉
TIP 2: ACCURATELY DEFINE THE TIMELINE OF YOUR ZEVIP PROJECT
NRCan supports projects with clear, defined goals and timelines, which you will need to include with your application. Be realistic! You also need to ensure your project is completed within the allotted timeframe. Some example milestones to highlight in your timeline include:
- Approval for ZEVIP Funding: Funding decisions are expected to be made in late December/early January.
- Gathering necessary info: Prepare your site list with GPS coordinates, determine # of chargers per site, obtain local contractor quotes and supplier quotes for the EVSE (we’d be happy to provide you a quote!).
- Securing project costs: Sign the NRCAN Contribution Agreement, typically 3 months after the funding decisions have been announced.
- Establish a schedule with installers: Ensure timelines meet the program requirements of being completed within 30 months of the date the contribution agreement was signed.
- Obtain required permits: Engage utilities for necessary permits.
- Installation: Work with your local installer to ensure the stations are operational, including wiring and inspections.
Showcase you have made careful consideration of the work required and set target timelines in your application accordingly.
TIP 3: CHARGING DEAD ZONES ARE MORE LIKELY TO SUCCEED
ZEVIP aims to improve accessibility to charging infrastructure to support EV adoption. They are looking for applicants interested in installing EV infrastructure in charging dead zones – areas where there is little to no public charging available.
As mentioned above, this final round of ZEVIP funding includes a focus on improving public charging, either by increasing the number of public EV chargers within 1.6 km of Transport Canada’s National Highway, or by increasing the number of public EV chargers in communities where gaps still exist.
TIP 4: UNDERSTAND THE AVAILABLE INFRASTRUCTURE AT THE SITES
This is crucial when installing EV chargers. Standard level 2 chargers draw between 32 and 80 A of current while in use, while DCFC can draw up to 480 kW! Ensure your building has the available capacity to support your desired number of chargers, now and in the future. In your application, outline any measures you intend to take to upgrade your building’s infrastructure or showcase that those steps have already been taken.
Consider load sharing across chargers to save on infrastructure costs. Products like Electric Avenue’s Enterprise Software allow for dynamic load management, so multiple chargers can share a single circuit. The software is also OpenADR certified to communicate with demand response programs.
Engaging local contractors for pricing and communicating with local utilities about your plans can demonstrate readiness and attention to detail in your application.
Including this kind of information and showing consideration will help your application stand out.
TIP 5: EXPLAIN YOUR COMPANY’S RATIONALE FOR UNDERTAKING AN EV PROJECT & GO BIG!
NRCan aims to partner with organizations committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with our Federal Government’s targets. Be sure to highlight your company's existing sustainability initiatives and ecological commitments. Explain how your EV charging project aligns with these goals, and benefits Canadians. Demonstrating alignment with NRCan's goals and values is essential for a successful application!
On top of that, what is the scope of your project? Are you looking to install a couple of EV charging stations at one property or do you have multiple properties and are applying for a large number of stations? The larger the project, the better your chances of getting noticed!
SO, WHAT NOW?
NRCan’s ZEVIP initiative is a great way to build a nationwide network of electric vehicle infrastructure, making Canada an easier place to go electric. The funding is limited and competitive, so it's important to put together a comprehensive application to secure the necessary funding for your EV charging projects.
If you have further questions about ZEVIP or need assistance with the application process, contact us with any questions you may have, or for free application assistance!