EV Boost is closed to any new applications.
EV Boost
Access to electric vehicle charging in Nova Scotia is increasing! EV Boost helped to bring more Level-2 EV chargers to eligible organizations in the province. Through funding provided by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP), Clean Foundation helped to support the deployment and installation of up to 250 EV chargers. This program is now closed to any new applications.
For general inquires about the EV Boost program, please contact evboost@cleanfoundation.ca.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants are legal entities validly incorporated or registered in Canada including not-for-profit and for-profit organizations such as:
- Electricity or gas utilities;
- Companies;
- Industry associations;
- Research associations;
- Standards organizations;
- Indigenous and community groups;
- Academic institutions; and
- Provincial, territorial, regional, or municipal governments or their departments or agencies.
Who is not eligible to receive funding from this program?
Individual applicants, or Federal departments, are not eligible to receive funding from the EV Boost program.
What are the eligible locations for charging stations?
- Workplaces: Charging infrastructure stations must be primarily used by employees.
- Multi-Unit Residential Buildings (MURBs): Infrastructure in parking spaces at the residence where people live. In the program guidelines, MURBs are considered buildings that have a minimum of three dwelling units.
- Public places: Places defined as parking areas intended for public use, these parking areas can be privately or publicly owned and operated.
- On-Street: Considered as curbside charging infrastructure for public use.
- Light-Duty: Infrastructure for fleets composed of multiple vehicles managed by common ownership.
What chargers are eligible for funding?
Level 2 electric vehicle chargers that are both new and permanent installations are eligible for funding. Chargers must also be “connected” or capable of communicating to other stations through cellular/wireless signals.
Proprietary connector types (any type other than a J1772 charger) must only represent a maximum of 75 per cent of all chargers proposed in a project. At least 25 per cent of chargers installed in a project must be Universal Charging Connectors (J1772 chargers).
Are Level 3 chargers eligible for funding?
No. The EV Boost program only provides funding to the specified Level 2 chargers outlined above.
We have already installed chargers - are we eligible?
No – this program is intended to support the future installation of charging stations. Retroactive applications are not eligible for funding.
How do I apply?
EV Boost is no longer accepting applications.
Who is providing this funding?
The EV Boost program is funded by the Federal Government of Canada. The Federal allowance is funded through Budget 2019, which is administered by Natural Resources Canada.
Can applicants apply for funding to install chargers outside of Nova Scotia?
No. Only projects located in Nova Scotia will be eligible for this funding.
When does the EV Boost program start?
The EV Boost program has been fully awarded.
When are applications due?
EV Boost is no longer accepting applications.
When do the installations have to completed?
All installations must be completed by September 30, 2024.
How much of the installation costs will be covered by the program?
The Federal government will cover up to 50 per cent of project costs.
Can this funding be stacked with other project funding?
Total government funding cannot exceed 75 per cent of the total project costs, except in the case where the applicant is a provincial, territorial, regional or municipal government (in which case the total government funding shall not exceed 100 per cent of project costs).
How many chargers does the funding cover?
The maximum number of charging stations that the applicant may propose to install is twenty (20). Total funding requested must be less than the maximum federal contribution of $99,999. Any surplus costs incurred by the applicant will be their responsibility.
What kind of expenditures are eligible to receive funding?
Expenditures for an approved project must be directly related to the installation of charging stations and will include:
- Salary and benefits for staff directly involved in project work;
- Professional services (e.g., scientific, technical, management; contracting; engineering; construction; installation, testing and commissioning of equipment; training; marketing; data collection; logistics; maintenance; printing; distribution);
- Capital expenses, including informatics and other equipment or infrastructure;
- Rental fees or leasing costs;
- License fees and permits;
- Costs associated with Environmental Assessments; and
- GST, PST and HST net of any tax rebate to which the recipient is entitled.
What kind of expenditures are not eligible to receive funding?
Costs not considered eligible expenditures under this program will include:
- In-kind*;
- Land costs;
- Legal costs;
- Ongoing operating costs (e.g., electricity consumption, operation, maintenance, networking fees, subscription fees, etc.); and
- Costs incurred outside the Eligible Expenditure Period, including those for preparing this response, attending the kick-off meeting and negotiating the Contribution Agreement.
* In-kind contributions from successful applicants and their partners count towards the total project costs. If a successful applicant chooses to include in-kind support as part of the total project costs, it must be verifiable and directly in support of the project.
If a submitted project meets all the mandatory criteria, is funding guaranteed?
The EV Boost program anticipates receiving more eligible applications than funding allows so not all projects will be approved. Proposals that have been conditionally recommended for funding will undergo a due diligence assessment. This assessment will look at the potential impact of the proposed charger, as well as the applicant’s capability to undergo the project.
If a submitted project meets all mandatory criteria and passes the due diligence assessment, what are the next steps?
Upon passing a due diligence assessment, applicants will be provided with a detailed contribution agreement that outlines all the terms and conditions. Once the contribution agreement is signed, the project is eligible for funding and the applicant can begin with the installation of charging units.
Is funding received before or after the charging station(s) are installed?
Clean Foundation will only provide the funding upon proof that the charging station(s) have been installed, are operational and open to their intended user groups.
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