Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Initiative (EVAFIDI) 🇨🇦

Who is EVAFIDI for?

The Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Initiative (EVAFIDI) offers repayable contributions to support the construction of a coast-to-coast EV fast-charging network in Canada. The program is administered by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan).

Eligible recipients include electric utilities, companies, industry associations, research associations, Indigenous communities, and local governments.

EVAFIDI projects must include the permanent installation of networked DC fast chargers, with a strong bias for sites located directly off of national highways. You can learn about the importance of networked EV charging on ChargeLab's software page, and find eligible DC fast chargers using our EV charger database.

The last round of EVAFIDI closed on July 23, 2020. NRCan has not yet announced any future EVAFIDI funding, though the program is schedule to run until March 2024. To be notified when the next round is announced, sign up below:

To find funding for multi-family, workplace, public, and fleet charging, we also recommend our guide to the Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP).

In addition to the rebates for EV chargers discussed on this page, EVAFIDI also offers contributions for natural gas and hydrogen refuelling stations. These stations are out of ChargeLab's scope, but you can learn more on the official EVAFIDI webpage.

How does it work?

Natural Resources Canada releases an Applicants Guide at the start of each EVAFIDI round. Organizations have until the submission deadline to put together a detailed project proposal. After a review period, NRCan will send notices of funding decisions to app applicants.

Successful applicants will receive a Letter of Conditional Approval and shortly afterwards sign a Contribution Agreement with NRCan.

EVAFIDI does not offer funding retroactively. You must receive a letter of approval before breaking ground on project-related work.

What does it cover?

For accepted EVAFIDI projects, NRCan contributes 50% of Total Project Costs up to a maximum per-charger amount. Eligible costs include site design, project management, EV chargers, installation costs, licenses/permits, and other direct deployment costs.

EVAFIDI contributions are conditionally repayable. If you profit from EV chargers funded by the program, you must repay NRCan's contribution on a pro-rata basis. For example, if NRCan contributes 40% of Total Project Costs, you must repay 40% of net profits annually until NRCan's original contribution has been repaid or 10 years has passed.

The maximum EVAFIDI funding per type of EV charger is as follows:

EV infrastructure map

Part of NRCan's alternative fuels initiative is compiling an electric charging and alternative fuelling stations locator. You can explore their map here:

Disclaimer

EVAFIDI is a competitive program administered by NRCan. ChargeLab is not a delivery agent of NRCan and has no influence over the EVAFIDI selection process.
‍
For the most comprehensive information on EVAFIDI, check the official webpage: https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy-efficiency/energy-efficiency-transportation/electric-alternative-fuel-infras/electric-vehicle-alternative-fuels-infrastructure-deployment-initiative/18352

Past EVAFIDI programs

Succesful applicants for Phase 1 and Phase 2 of EVAFIDI have cumulatively received over $68 million in funding from Natural Resources Canada.

Below are past news releases from ChargeLab related to EVAFIDI.

2018

2019

Canadian Businesses Now Eligible For Up To $5 Million In Rebates For Electric Vehicle Fast-Charging Stations

TORONTO, March 06, 2019 — Natural Resources Canada has renewed the Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Initiative (EVAFIDI).
‍
Businesses installing fast-charging stations for electric vehicles by the end of 2020 are eligible to receive up to 50% of total project costs rebated through...