The Electric Vehicle Test Drives and Charging Education program funds national and regional outreach and education projects that measurably increase public, industry, and local government knowledge and confidence related to light-duty electric vehicle charging, charging infrastructure, and EV ownership and operation.

This call for proposals seeks projects focusing on EV charging education, such as basic charging knowledge (physical interaction, use of apps, charging standards), demystifying home charging, multi-unit residential building (MURB) charging, and battery life concerns.

Areas of Focus:

Applicants must choose one primary area of focus:

• Area 1 – EV test drives and experiential charging education: Projects that provide experiential charging education for the general public and commercial drivers, including EV test drive campaigns that attract undecided Canadians, charging experiences featuring winter/cold-weather test drives, and education on all aspects of EVs
• Area 2 – Resources and education for enablers: Projects that develop resources and education for corporate decision-makers, large employers, fleet managers, municipal planners/governments, EV salespeople, utilities, schoolteachers, and first responders

Examples of Project Activities:

• Outreach campaigns, with priority given to projects featuring hands-on learning
• Events such as test drive and trial programs (must include charging demonstration), mobile showcases, and ambassador or mentorship programs
• Interactive educational activities for enablers on effective policy options, permitting, purchasing, and other aspects related to EV charging infrastructure deployment and ownership/operation of EVs

Geographic Reach:

All projects must be national in reach or regionally focused on an underserved region of Canada. Underserved areas are defined as the Territories, Prairie Provinces, Atlantic Canada, rural areas, or marginalized or racialized urban communities.