Federal EV Charger Rebates in Canada
Written by EV Quotes |
November 2025
Thinking about installing an electric vehicle charger at your home or business? You're in luck. The Canadian federal government offers several EV charger rebates to make it more affordable. These programs are designed to expand Canada’s charging infrastructure and help more people make the switch to electric.
This guide breaks down the key federal EV charger rebates available in Canada for 2025. We’ll explain how federal rebates work, who is eligible, and how you can combine them with provincial incentives to maximize your savings.
What is the Federal EV Charger Rebate Program?
While ZEVIP is a large-scale program often aimed at organizations, it's the primary source of federal funds that trickle down to homeowners, multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs), and workplaces. The program is funded until March 31, 2027, but its application windows are not always open.
How ZEVIP Funding Works?
ZEVIP operates through different funding streams, targeting various types of applicants and projects. Although specific application windows open and close, understanding these streams is key to preparing for the next opportunity.
Here's a breakdown of the federal support available:
| Funding Stream | Target Audience | Key Funding Details |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Project Funding | Businesses, property managers, and municipalities for larger projects (e.g., 20+ chargers). | Covers up to 50% of total project costs, up to a maximum of $5 million per project. |
| Third-Party Delivery | Small businesses and MURBs are seeking smaller-scale installations. | Funds are redistributed through regional partners (like Green Economy Canada) to simplify the application process. |
| Indigenous Organizations | Indigenous-owned or controlled projects. | Offers enhanced support, covering up to 75% of project costs, with a maximum of $2 million per project. |
| Fleet Incentives | Businesses transitioning their light-duty vehicle fleets to EVs. | Provides rebates for chargers intended for fleet use, supporting commercial EV adoption. |
Important Note: As of late 2025, applications for most ZEVIP streams are temporarily closed. However, new funding windows are expected. It's best to monitor the officialNRCan ZEVIP website for the latest updates.
Key Federal Rebate Programs
Navigating federal support can be complex, but it boils down to a few key initiatives. Here’s a summary of the main programs offering EV charger rebates.
| Program Name | Target Audience & Focus | Key Incentive Details | Status (Late 2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP) | Public places, workplaces, multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs), and vehicle fleets. | Covers up to 50% of eligible costs. For Level 2 chargers, this can be up to $5,000 per connector. For DC fast chargers, rebates can be much higher. | Applications are currently paused, but new funding rounds are anticipated before the program ends in 2027. |
| ZEVIP – Indigenous Organizations Stream | Indigenous governments, businesses, and organizations. | Offers enhanced funding, covering up to 75% of project costs. For example, up to $7,500 for a Level 2 charger and up to $150,000 for a powerful DC fast charger. | Oversubscribed due to high demand, but future funding is expected. |
| Green Economy Canada – EV Charger Incentive | A ZEVIP delivery partner primarily serving Ontario, focusing on public places, MURBs, workplaces, and fleets. | Provides up to 50% of costs, capped at $100,000 per project. Offers up to $5,000 per Level 2 connector. | Initial application round completed. A second round is planned for late 2025/early 2026. |
| Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) – CHRI | Large-scale, private-sector-led public charging projects with a minimum cost of $20 million. | Offers innovative financing and risk-sharing to make major infrastructure investments commercially viable. | Actively reviewing and funding large-scale projects. |
How to Maximize Your Savings with Federal Rebates
One of the best strategies for saving money is "stacking" federal rebates with provincial and municipal incentives. This means you can combine funding from different levels of government to cover a larger portion of your installation costs.
Here’s what you need to know about stacking:
- General Limit: Total government assistance (federal + provincial + municipal) typically cannot exceed 75% of the total project cost for private applicants.
- Public Sector Exception: Public sector entities and Indigenous-led projects may be eligible for up to 100% cost coverage.
- Disclosure is Key: You must declare all sources of funding when you apply for any government rebate.
By planning ahead and exploring all available incentives, you can make your EV charger installation significantly more affordable.
How to Apply for EV Charger Rebates
Applying for a federal EV charger rebate in Canada requires careful planning. Here are the general steps to follow:
1. Check for Active Programs: Before buying any equipment, visit the NRCan ZEVIP website and your provincial government or utility provider's website to see which rebate programs are currently accepting applications.
2. Verify Eligibility: Read the applicant guide carefully. Ensure your property (home, condo, workplace), the charger model, and the installer meet all the requirements. Many programs require chargers to be new, certified for use in Canada (e.g., CSA or UL certified), and permanently installed by a licensed electrician.
3. Get Pre-Approval (If Required): Some programs, especially for workplaces or MURBs, require you to get pre-approved before purchasing or installing your charger. Don't skip this step, or you may become ineligible.
4. Purchase and Install: Buy an eligible EV charger and have it installed by a qualified electrician. Keep all your receipts and invoices.
5. Submit Your Application: Complete the application form and submit it along with all required documentation, such as proof of purchase, installation invoices, and photos of the final installation. Be mindful of application deadlines, which are often within 90 days of installation.
Get Your Home EV-Ready with Federal Charger Rebates from EV Quotes
Navigating the world of federal EV charger rebates can seem complicated, but taking the time to understand the available programs can lead to significant savings. By stacking federal and provincial incentives, you can reduce the cost of installing a Level 2 charger and make your home ready for an electric future.
EV Quotes makes it easy to take advantage of federal EV charger rebates in Canada. Connect with certified local installers to compare options and get up to three free quotes for the cost of installing a Level 2 charger. It’s the simplest way to maximize your EV charger incentives and ensure your home is ready for the future.