Claude Guay, parliamentary secretary to the minister of energy and natural resources, announced more than $25 million for 33 projects aimed at improving electric vehicle (EV) charging availability, decarbonizing freight transportation and developing innovative technologies for medium- and heavy-duty trucks.
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) contributed $8 million for six projects under the Energy Innovation Program (EIP), according to a news release. These projects will drive innovation in the medium- and heavy-duty vehicle sectors, address real-world operational challenges for electric fleets and support the development of Canadian intellectual property.
NRCan’s Green Freight Program (GFP) contributed the remaining $7.9 million for four projects, which are helping the transportation, construction and public works industry modernize their fleets, lower fuel costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
On-road transportation accounts for about 18% of Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions, the release added.
The Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program provides funding toward the deployment of EV chargers and hydrogen refuelling stations.
The EIP on-road transportation decarbonization call for proposals supports research, development and demonstration of advanced technologies for on-road transportation including zero-emission powertrains (battery–electric and hydrogen fuel cell) and innovative infrastructure to support zero-emission vehicle adoption.
The GFP projects help four Quebec businesses purchase trucks that run on compressed and renewable natural gas.
