EVwire brief: Canada’s newly launched Automotive Strategy puts electric vehicles at the centre of the country’s industrial and transportation future. Backed by a new EV Affordability Program, major charging infrastructure investments, and over $97 million in fresh clean transportation funding, the strategy aims to make EVs easier to buy, easier to charge, and increasingly built in Canada.
On February 5, Canada announced its new Automotive Strategy, a comprehensive package of measures designed to protect domestic auto jobs, strengthen supply chains, and build a globally competitive automotive sector focused on next-generation vehicle manufacturing, including EVs.
You can learn more and get the details regarding the new Automotive Strategy in the EVwire article here:
Latest detailed update to the EV strategy:
A central pillar of the strategy is helping Canadians choose electric. The federal government confirmed the launch of a five-year Electric Vehicle Affordability Program, alongside expanded investments in EV charging infrastructure through the Canada Infrastructure Bank’s (CIB) $1.5-billion Charging and Hydrogen Refueling Infrastructure Initiative. Together, these measures are intended to make EV ownership more accessible and practical for Canadians nationwide.
Canada has already reached a key milestone, with more than 30,000 EV chargers installed across the country through Natural Resources Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP). Building on that progress, the Automotive Strategy introduces the development of a National Charging Infrastructure Strategy, aimed at accelerating EV adoption while attracting private-sector investment and creating well-paying jobs across the EV supply chain.
Following the strategy’s launch, three federal ministers (Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources; Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons; and Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature) announced more than $97 million in funding for 155 clean transportation projects across Canada.
Where the $97 Million Is Going
$84.4 million for 122 projects to install more than 8,000 EV chargers nationwide through ZEVIP
$5.7 million for three Green Freight Program projects, supporting fleet electrification, low-carbon vehicle adoption, and fuel-efficiency improvements
$7.2 million for 30 education and awareness projects, including 11 Indigenous-led initiatives, to boost public and industry confidence in EVs, charging, and clean fuels
Federal officials emphasized that these investments are about long-term competitiveness. By incentivizing automakers to build in Canada and supporting domestic EV infrastructure, the Automotive Strategy aims to ensure Canadian workers and businesses can adapt and succeed in a rapidly changing global auto market.
The Canada Infrastructure Bank is also expanding its role. Ehren Cory, CEO of the CIB, confirmed the bank is increasing its Charging and Hydrogen Refuelling Infrastructure Initiative allocation by an additional $1 billion. With more than $500 million already committed to companies such as FLO, Parkland, and JOLT, the initiative could enable up to 5,400 new public fast-charging stations across Canada.
SOURCE: Canada.ca
