Canada has announced the e-Auto Challenge program, which aims to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles. The new program will provide funding for research in various fields to help develop the next generation of light electric vehicles. The program is expected to officially launch late next year.
The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) clarified in a press release that the new program, led by the NRC, will bring together stakeholders from the light vehicle supply chain and academic institutions “to accelerate the development and deployment of electric vehicle technologies while convening Canada’s R&D capabilities.” These stakeholders include small and medium-sized businesses, academia, federal and local governments, academia, community partners and non-profit organizations.
Grant funding is available to eligible collaborators. However, the NRC has not yet disclosed the specific funding amount of the program. The e-Auto Challenge program is expected to officially launch in mid-2025 and will begin accepting the first proposals in 2026.
Canadian media outlets quoted Eddy Zuppel, acting director of the NRC Electric Vehicle Challenge, as saying: “(Canada) has made a lot of anchor investments, especially related to battery and electric vehicle manufacturing… [but] there are gaps in the supply chain. The industry needs to be supported to fill these gaps. The goal is to fill these gaps by helping the industry reduce the risk of electric vehicle component technology… [and] help create new suppliers.”
Research areas will include next-generation motors, advanced power electronics, optimized battery systems, charging and other electric vehicle infrastructure, and connected and autonomous vehicle systems.
The NRC also stated in the announcement: “The Electric Vehicle Challenge Program will accelerate the development of existing and new suppliers in the Canadian automotive industry by promoting the de-risking and commercialization of new electric vehicle technologies.” Canada hopes that all new cars sold from 2035 will be zero-emission. The NRC will submit further details on the program on February 6, 2025.