How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $1000000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The program is accepting continuous intake

Who are the financial supporters of the Zero-Emission Trucking Program - Call for Proposals?

Zero-Emission Trucking Program - Call for Proposals is funded by Transport Canada

What are Zero-Emission Trucking Program - Call for Proposals's eligibility criterias?

Eligible applicants include provinces and territories, municipalities, Indigenous governments, public sector organizations, and specific entity categories such as Canada Airport and Port authorities subject to regulations. Projects must align with the program's objective to promote zero-emission technologies in medium and heavy-duty trucking, including the development and modernization of related codes, standards, and regulations. Applicants must demonstrate secured funding for the project from various identified sources.

Zero-Emission Trucking Program - Call for Proposals

Last Update: July 22, 2025

Canada

Zero-Emission Trucking Program funds eco-friendly transportation initiatives

Zero-Emission Trucking Program - Call for Proposals at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $1,000,000
Up to 75% of project cost

Timeline

Closing date : October 3, 2023

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Transportation and warehousing

Grant Providers

Transport Canada

Program status

Closed

Overview of the Zero-Emission Trucking Program - Call for Proposals program

The Zero Emission Trucking Program (ZETP) by Transport Canada aims to accelerate the readiness of medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles and their associated charging infrastructure, offering funding up to $1,000,000 for projects that develop guidelines, undertake research, and support technology design and deployment to reduce GHG emissions. Eligible activities include research, knowledge-sharing, testing, deployment of technologies, and training related to zero-emission trucking.

Financing terms and conditions

The financing modalities for the Zero Emission Trucking Program (ZETP) ensure that funds are allocated efficiently to support the transition towards zero-emission vehicles in Canada's trucking sector. These modalities are designed to cover a wide range of activities essential for the development and deployment of zero-emission trucking solutions.

Reimbursement of up to 75% of eligible expenditures incurred towards the project.
Maximum contribution per project is capped at $1,000,000.
Eligible expenditures include staff salaries, professional fees, translation costs, and purchase or lease of technology and equipment, among others.
Administrative expenditures are limited to 15% of the total project costs contributed by Transport Canada.
Recipients may include in-kind contributions as part of their total project cost, though these are not eligible for reimbursement.
Travel expenditures must comply with the National Joint Council's Travel Directive rates and allowances.
Financial claims require detailed submissions, including a list of invoices, progress reports, and a final report.
Reimbursements occur post-approval, following the signing of a funding agreement between the recipient and Transport Canada.

Eligible projects & activities

This grant supports projects that accelerate readiness for medium and heavy-duty zero-emission freight-haul and vocational vehicles. Eligible activities focus on developing regulations, conducting research, and facilitating the deployment of zero-emission technologies.

Development of guidelines, codes, standards, and regulations related to zero-emission vehicles.
Research and knowledge-sharing activities on emission-reducing technologies.
Design, testing, and installation of zero-emission vehicle technologies and equipment.
Employment of personnel focused on advancing zero-emission trucking standards and regulations.
Engagement in interprovincial and international discussions to align zero-emission trucking standards.
Data collection and analysis to support zero-emission vehicle oversight regimes.
Collaborations on zero-emission trucking tests and trials to inform regulatory development.
Curricula and training updates for zero-emission vehicle operation.
Delivery of training courses to relevant personnel.

Eligibility criteria of the Zero-Emission Trucking Program - Call for Proposals program

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant's profile.

The applicant must be one of the following eligible recipients:
Provinces and Territories, including Provincial- and Territorially-owned transportation entities
Municipalities, including Municipally-owned entities, and local and regional governments
Indigenous governments, tribal councils and other forms of regional government, nationally or regionally representative Indigenous organizations, and/or Indigenous development corporations
Public Sector Organizations
Canada Airport, Port (subject to section 25 of the Canada Marine Act), and Standard Development Organizations (SDO)
Applicants must demonstrate secured funding for the project by identifying all sources of funds in their application.

Who is eligible?

This grant is available to a variety of public sector and Indigenous organizations to support the transition to zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles in Canada.

Provinces and Territories, including Provincial- and Territorially-owned transportation entities.
Municipalities, including Municipally-owned entities, local and regional governments.
Indigenous governments, tribal councils, and Indigenous organizations or development corporations.
Public Sector Organizations.
Canada's airports, ports (subject to section 25 of the Canada Marine Act), and Standard Development Organizations.

Who is not eligible

This grant is designed to support public sector and Indigenous organizations in developing zero-emission trucking infrastructure. However, the program is not open to private sector companies or certain entities outside its scope.

Private sector companies and proprietary businesses.
Organizations without public sector or Indigenous government affiliations.
Entities not involved in policy development, guidelines, or standards for zero-emission vehicles.

Eligible expenses

The grant covers specific expenditures necessary to execute eligible activities related to the adoption of zero-emission transportation technologies.

Staff salaries and benefits.
Professional fees for contracted services.
Translation costs.
Expenditures for preparation, construction, improvement, and installation of assets.
Purchase, lease, and/or installation of assets, technology, equipment, and supplies.
Purchase of low carbon intensity fuels.
Licenses and permits.
Rents, leases, leasehold improvements and insurance.
Expenditures for Indigenous consultations.
Administrative expenditures (capped at 15% of total project costs).
Travel expenditures, subject to prescribed rates and allowances.
Other expenditures as approved to achieve program objectives.

Eligible geographic areas

No explicit geographical eligibility details are provided within the available information for this grant application. Eligible recipients are based on organizational type rather than geographical locations.

Eligibility criteria of the Zero-Emission Trucking Program - Call for Proposals program

The evaluation and selection of projects for the ZETP grant are based on how well proposals meet specific criteria designed to align with the program's objectives of promoting clean transportation systems.

Relevance of the project to ZETP objectives, focusing on clean transportation and reduction of air pollutants and GHG emissions.
The extent to which the project leverages participation from other public and private entities.
Demonstrated commitment by the recipient to the project.
The potential for the technology, knowledge, or practices developed through the project to be used by others.
The inclusion of a plan to broadly disseminate research findings to industry and academia.
Provision of other associated benefits such as improved transportation system safety and development of highly qualified personnel.
The quality of the project plan, including clarity and realism of the activities, budget, schedule, and roles and responsibilities.
A detailed risk analysis and a mitigation strategy for identified risks.
Capability of the project manager and the team, ensuring experienced and qualified personnel are in place.
Value for money proposed in terms of the efficient use of resources and affordable plan to produce outputs.

How to apply to the Zero-Emission Trucking Program - Call for Proposals program

Review Program Guidelines

Carefully read through the ZETP program objectives, available funding, eligibility criteria, and other relevant information to ensure your project aligns with the grant requirements.

Gather Required Documentation

Prepare all necessary documents as outlined in the application package requirements, including the project title, executive summary, and applicant's information.
Ensure you have the organizational profile, project management personnel details, and declarations ready.

Draft Project Proposal

Create a comprehensive project description, outlining objectives, goals, project location, timeline, major activities, risk assessments, and a communication plan if applicable.
Include annexes such as evidence of project manager credentials and letters of financial support.

Complete Budget and Cashflow Template

Fill in the project budget and cashflow template, detailing all fiscal year expenses, cash, and in-kind contributions.

Submit Application

Compile the complete application package in MS Word, MS Excel, or PDF format.
Email the electronic application package to ZETProgram-ProgrammeCZE@tc.gc.ca by the application deadline of October 03, 2023.
Ensure all applications and project proposals are signed, complete, and accurate using the templates provided.

Confirm Submission

Await confirmation receipt from Transport Canada acknowledging your application package.

Additional information

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The project may accrue costs starting from the approval date by the Minister, with project completion required by March 31, 2027.
No project reimbursements will occur until the funding agreement is fully executed.
Any changes to the project scope, including budget and timelines, require prior written agreement with Transport Canada.
The rate and allowances for travel expenses are specified by the Travel Directive of the National Joint Council.
Transport Canada aims to provide application receipt acknowledgment within 10 business days post-deadline.
Payments are targeted to be issued within 20 business days upon meeting funding agreement requirements.
Recipients must comply with the Official Languages Act during project execution.

Contact Transport Canada

ZETProgram-ProgrammeCZE@tc.gc.ca

Apply to this program

Funding to increase awareness for the reduction of vehicle emission