EV Boost

Individual applicants, or Federal departments, are not eligible to receive funding from the EV Boost program. 

• 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.  

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).

No. The EV Boost program only provides funding to the specified Level 2 chargers outlined above. 

Applications for the fast-track stream are no longer being accepted. 

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. 

No. Only projects located in Nova Scotia will be eligible for this funding. 

The EV Boost program for fast-track applicants is now closed. Last years’ webinars are available by request to provide further explanations of the program to potential applicants.

Applications for the fast-track stream are now closed. 

Installations for successful fast track applicants must be completed by October 31, 2023. It is recommended that successful applicants aim to finalize charger installations prior to October in case of unexpected delays.

The Federal government will cover up to 50 per cent of project costs.

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).

There is no maximum number of charging stations that the applicant may propose to install, so long as the total funding requested is less than the maximum federal contribution of $99,999. Any surplus costs incurred by the applicant will be their responsibility.

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.

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. Further details will be available once the Request for Proposals opens on February 7, 2022—please check back then.

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.  

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. 

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.