According to media reports, Canada has unveiled the "e-Auto Challenge" program, designed to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). The new initiative will provide funding for research across various fields to support the development of next-generation light electric vehicles. The program is expected to officially launch later next year.
In a press release, the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) announced that the program, led by the NRC, will bring together stakeholders from the light vehicle supply chain and academia "to accelerate the development and deployment of EV technologies while leveraging Canada's R&D capabilities." These stakeholders include small and medium-sized enterprises, academic institutions, federal and local governments, community partners, and nonprofit organizations.
Eligible collaborators will be able to apply for grant funding, though the NRC has not disclosed the specific budget for the initiative. The e-Auto Challenge is set to formally launch in mid-2025, with the first proposals accepted starting in 2026.
The Canadian portal media outlet cited Eddy Zuppel, Acting Director of the e-Auto Challenge Program at the NRC, as saying: "(Canada) has already made significant anchor investments, particularly in battery and EV manufacturing... [but] there are still gaps in the supply chain. Industry needs support to address these gaps. The goal is to help the sector de-risk EV component technologies... [and] create new suppliers to fill these gaps."
Research areas will include next-generation motors, advanced power electronics, optimized battery systems, charging and other EV infrastructure, as well as connected and autonomous vehicle systems.
The NRC also stated in its announcement: "The e-Auto Challenge program will accelerate the growth of both existing and new suppliers in Canada's automotive sector by fostering the de-risking and commercialization of novel EV technologies." Canada aims for all new vehicles sold by 2035 to be zero-emission. Further details about the program will be released by the NRC on February 6, 2025.
