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On-road Transportation Decarbonization — R&D Projects - Canada
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Source verified July 23, 2026

On-road Transportation Decarbonization — R&D Projects

Funding for clean on-road transport innovation
Funding available
$ 500,000 - $ 5,000,000
Deadline
January 15, 2024
Location
Canada
Who can apply

Canadian incorporated or registered legal entities.

See full eligibility

Overview

This program supports R&D and demonstration projects that advance the decarbonization of on-road transportation in Canada. Funding is available up to $1.5 million for R&D projects and up to $5 million for demonstration projects.
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At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Implement environmental initiatives
  • Develop a new product or service
Eligible Funding
  • Maximum amount : 5,000,000 $
  • Minimum amount : 500,000 $
  • Up to 75% of project cost

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries
  • All industries
Location
  • Canada
Legal structures
  • Non-profit
  • Public or Parapublic institution
  • For-profit business
Annual revenue
  • All revenue ranges
Organisation size
  • All organization sizes
Audience
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Rural or Northern Residents
  • Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
  • Higher Education
  • Research
  • Social Services
  • Environment
  • Business Associations
  • Not Elsewhere Classified
Target groups
  • Indigenous peoples
  • Rural / Remote communities
  • Business owners / entrepreneurs
  • Nonprofits / charities
  • Academia / students
Revenue structures
  • All structures
Scope
  • Local
  • Municipal
  • Regional
  • Provincial
  • National

Next Steps

1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility

Activities funded

  • Research and development for low- and zero-emission on-road vehicles.
  • Demonstration of pre-commercial vehicle technologies and infrastructure.
  • Infrastructure projects supporting zero-emission on-road vehicles.
  • Projects improving transportation system energy efficiency.

Official resources

Program guide

Energy Innovation Program - On-road Transportation Decarbonization Call for Proposals

Energy Innovation Program On-road Transportation Decarbonization Call for Proposals Applicants’ Guide

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • Canadian incorporated or registered legal entities.
  • Provincial, territorial, regional and municipal governments.
  • Indigenous communities and Indigenous-owned organizations.
  • Canadian academic institutions and community groups.

Eligible expenses

  • Employee salaries and benefits for project time.
  • Professional, scientific, technical and contracting services.
  • Travel, meals and accommodation.
  • Equipment, materials, testing and commissioning.
  • Lab and field supplies, data services, permits, and overhead up to 15%.

Ineligible Costs and Activities

  • Land purchases.
  • Vehicle purchases and retrofits.
  • Hydrogen production and storage technologies.
  • Grid-side infrastructure investment.
  • Costs outside the eligible expenditure period, in-kind costs, and reimbursable taxes.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Canada

Selection criteria

  • Alignment with program focus areas and priorities.
  • Technical merit and feasibility, as assessed by experts.
  • Collaboration and leverage of non-government funding.
  • Support for regional balance, IDEA, and socio-economic priorities.

How to apply

  • Step 1
    • Review the Applicant’s Guide and confirm eligibility.
    • Prepare the expression of interest.
  • Step 2
    • Submit the EOI through the Applicant Portal.
    • Wait for EOI review and results.
  • Step 3
    • If invited, prepare and submit the full project proposal.
    • Provide all mandatory information requested by NRCan.
  • Step 4
    • Participate in due diligence if selected for funding.
    • Sign the contribution agreement if approved.

Processing and Agreement

  • EOI submissions are reviewed by a technical expert panel.
  • Successful EOI applicants are invited to submit a full project proposal.
  • FPP submissions are reviewed by a technical expert panel.
  • Selected projects undergo due diligence on finances, technical risk, team strengths, and legal or regulatory matters.
  • Approved applicants are invited to draft, sign, and execute a contribution agreement before funding is confirmed.

Additional information

  • Applications were submitted in two phases: EOI and invited FPP.
  • Funding is a non-repayable contribution from NRCan.
  • Selected projects must sign a contribution agreement before funding is committed.
  • Projects may be shared with other federal or trusted funding partners if permission is given.

Contacts

Other components of this program

Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.

Frequently Asked Questions about the On-road Transportation Decarbonization — R&D Projects Program

What is the On-road Transportation Decarbonization — R&D Projects?

This program supports R&D and demonstration projects that advance the decarbonization of on-road transportation in Canada. Funding is available up to $1.5 million for R&D projects and up to $5 million for demonstration projects.

How much funding can be received?

On-road Transportation Decarbonization — R&D Projects Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $5,000,000 per project.

Who is eligible for the On-road Transportation Decarbonization — R&D Projects program?

To be eligible for the On-road Transportation Decarbonization — R&D Projects program, you must: Registered in Canada. R&D or demonstration project. Fits program focus areas.

What expenses are eligible under On-road Transportation Decarbonization — R&D Projects?

Research and development for low- and zero-emission on-road vehicles. Demonstration of pre-commercial vehicle technologies and infrastructure. Infrastructure projects supporting zero-emission on-road vehicles. Projects improving transportation system energy efficiency.

Who can I contact for more information about the On-road Transportation Decarbonization — R&D Projects?

You can contact Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) by email at eiptransport-pietransports@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca or by phone at 0.

Where is the On-road Transportation Decarbonization — R&D Projects available?

The On-road Transportation Decarbonization — R&D Projects program is available across Canada.

Is the On-road Transportation Decarbonization — R&D Projects a grant, loan, or tax credit?

On-road Transportation Decarbonization — R&D Projects is a Grant and Funding