Closed
Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure (ZEVIP) — Indigenous organizations
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Canada
Supports Indigenous organizations installing zero-emission vehicle charging infrastructure
Grant and Funding
Overview
The Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP) — Indigenous Organizations stream provides up to $2 million per project to support the deployment of electric vehicle charging stations and hydrogen refuelling stations for Indigenous organizations in Canada. The program aims to increase the availability of zero-emission vehicle infrastructure by funding new installations or expansions in public places, workplaces, multi-unit residential buildings, and for vehicle fleets.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Integrate new technologies
- Increasing community impact
- Obtain certifications
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 2,000,000 $
- Up to 75% of project cost
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Utilities
- Construction
- Transportation and warehousing
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
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
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Environment
- Economic, Social and Community Development
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- Rural / Remote communities
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
Activities funded
- Installation of new electric vehicle charging stations for public use.
- Deployment of charging infrastructure in multi-unit residential buildings.
- Development of charging options at workplaces or fleet locations.
- Establishment of hydrogen refuelling stations for various vehicle types.
- Expansion of existing zero-emission vehicle infrastructure to increase capacity and accessibility.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 1,825,000
Hydrogen fueling solution for electric transit and staff fleet vehicles
$ 295,000
Adding charging infrastructure for Indigenous housing association apartment blocks
$ 480,000
Modernizing charging infrastructure for an Indigenous canoe-tourism fleet operation
$ 570,000
Expansion of public EV charging network in retail and visitor areas
$ 900,000
Deployment of fast-charging EV stations at a community health hub
$ 250,000
EV charging stations at Indigenous-owned professional offices and shared workspaces
Eligibility
- The applicant must be an Indigenous community, a business or organization with clear Indigenous ownership and control, a First Nations band or council under the Indian Act, a tribal council, or an Inuit organization.
- The applicant must demonstrate Indigenous ownership and controlling interest, which may be shown through inclusion in official directories.
- The applicant organization must be validly incorporated or registered, providing supporting documentation as necessary.
- The project must increase localized charging or hydrogen refueling opportunities in Canada and be a new or expanded permanent installation.
- The project infrastructure must be owned and the bulk of expenditures incurred by the applicant organization.
Who is eligible?
- Indigenous communities
- For-profit businesses with Indigenous ownership and control
- Not-for-profit organizations with Indigenous ownership and control
- First Nations bands or councils under the Indian Act
- Tribal councils
- Inuit organizations
Who is not eligible
- Softwood lumber companies and those that are vertically integrated with softwood lumber companies.
Eligible expenses
- Salaries and benefits for staff directly involved in the project.
- Professional service fees (such as engineering, construction, technical, management, installation, testing, commissioning, training, marketing, data collection, logistics, printing, and distribution).
- Reasonable travel expenses including transportation, meals, and accommodation for project purposes.
- Capital expenses including equipment and infrastructure required for the project.
- Rental or leasing costs associated with project implementation.
- Licence fees and required permits for project execution.
- Expenses related to environmental assessments necessary for the project.
- Honoraria and ceremonial costs for Indigenous recipients involving Indigenous peoples.
- GST, PST, and HST, net of any tax rebate entitlement.
- Overhead expenses directly related to the project, up to 15% of eligible expenditures.
Eligible geographic areas
- Projects must be located in Canada.
How to apply
1
Confirm organization eligibility
- Ensure your organization qualifies as an Indigenous community, First Nation, Inuit, Métis, or an Indigenous-owned business or organization
- Consult Indigenous Services Canada’s Indigenous Business Directory or the First Nation Profile for eligibility confirmation
2
Prepare supporting documentation
- Compile official documents such as articles of incorporation or registration to validate legal status, if applicable
- Prepare proof of Indigenous ownership and controlling interests when required
3
Define eligible project
- Identify eligible infrastructure projects such as EV charging stations or hydrogen refuelling facilities that meet program requirements
- Ensure the project increases localized charging or refuelling opportunities and meets technical criteria
4
Estimate project costs and funding needs
- Calculate total project costs and determine the level of funding required according to program limits
- Compile a budget including eligible expenditures such as capital costs, professional services, and overhead
5
Complete the application package
- Prepare the application form following ZEVIP guidelines and requirements
- Attach all required documentation and budget information
- Review for completeness and compliance with program criteria
6
Submit the application
- Submit the application and all required documents through the program’s submission process, before the application period closes
- Monitor any relevant updates on the program calendar for future opportunities
Additional information
- This funding stream is currently fully allocated and not accepting new applications.
- Service standards include timelines for acknowledging applications and issuing decisions.
- The program is committed to offering flexible timelines and removing barriers to increase Indigenous community access.
- For future updates on funding opportunities, applicants are advised to consult the program calendar.
Contacts
zev-infra-vez@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
