Commercial Vehicle Innovation Challenge
The Commercial Vehicle Innovation Challenge (CVIC; the Challenge), launched under CleanBC Go Electric’s Advanced Research and Commercialization (ARC) program, is a funding initiative with a vision to address technology gaps in the commercial vehicle sector, support growth in B.C.’s zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) industry and create jobs through B.C. innovation. CVIC supports projects that advance commercialization activities in B.C.’s ZEV sector and produce collaborative, industry-demanded projects that have significant benefits for B.C.
CVIC provides funding to eligible organizations with a strong focus on deployment of ZEV technology in the commercial vehicle space. The funding is intended to:
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- Accelerate the commercialization of B.C. ZEV technology to address technology gaps in the commercial vehicle sector.
- Support growth in B.C.’s ZEV industry.
- Create jobs through B.C. innovation.
The goals of CVIC are to:
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- Develop commercial ZEV technology solutions in B.C. and match them to the needs of end users and consumers.
- Create and retain high-value jobs in B.C in both research and development (R&D), manufacturing, and the broader ZEV supply chain.
- Accelerate the deployment, adoption and diffusion of ZEVs in B.C.’s commercial sector.
- Grow research, R&D, and manufacturing clusters in B.C. for commercial ZEVs.
- Develop and advance technologies that reduce GHG emissions from the transportation sector both in B.C. and globally.
The Challenge supports successful proponents to help expedite the deployment of ZEV technology in the commercial vehicle space. Two funding calls are planned over the next three years, to maximize the opportunities for project applications and to provide certainty to the sector in developing projects and partnerships. The Challenge has a particular focus on higher Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) in an effort to ensure that projects result in near-term deployment of solutions that meet the goals of the Challenge. Applicants will be able to apply under the following funding calls noted in the table below.
Funding Call #1
Eligible applicants will have the opportunity to apply to one of two Phases based on whichever best suits their project’s Technology Readiness Level (TRL):
- Phase 1: Technology Advancement (TRL 4-6)
The objective of Phase 1 will be to support proponents on the advancement of technologies that have a clearly articulated solution, are beyond proof of concept but still pre-commercial, and will demonstrate the capacity to move the proposed innovation to market within a three-year time frame.
Please note: the timeline for completion of Phase 1 projects is one (1) year.
- Phase 2: Prototype Development and Pathway to Commercialization (TRL 7-9)
The objective of Phase 2 projects will be to develop and deliver prototypes or near-commercial products within two years. Phase 2 of the Challenge will be open to projects with TRLs ranging from 7-9.
Please note: the timeline for completion of Phase 2 projects is two (2) years.
Funding Call #2
The second Challenge funding call will focus specifically on the higher TRL (7-9) Phase 2 project. Participants who took part in Phase 1 of the first funding call will be able to apply to the second funding call of the Challenge in 2025. The timing of the second funding call for 2025, is intended to align with the completion of projects in Phase 1. This will allow for these proponents to apply to complete their projects through to commercialization.
Note: Participation in Phase 1 of the first call does not guarantee project acceptance into the second funding call.
- Prototype Development and Pathway to Commercialization (TRL 7-9)
The objective of Phase 2 projects will be to develop and deliver prototypes or near-commercial products within two years. Phase 2 of the Challenge will be open to projects with TRLs ranging from 7-9.
Please note: the timeline for completion of Phase 2 projects is two (2) years.
The following general groups of activities are eligible for funding under the Challenge:
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- Development of a B.C.-based commercial ZEV product or technology;
- Commercialization of a B.C.-based ZEV product or technology, including investments in manufacturing equipment, or processes; and
- Use or demonstration of a B.C.-based commercial ZEV product or technology developed as a result of participating in the Challenge.
Eligible Applicants include any private entity or organization operating in B.C.’s ZEV sector, validly incorporated or registered in Canada. Non-profit organizations, industry associations, local governments, and publicly funded institutions are not eligible primary applicants, but are encouraged to support primary applicants as project partners.
Applicants may form consortiums comprised of the Applicants and at least one non-related partner organization (Project Partner) who has committed to providing expertise, cash and/or in-kind contributions to the project. Project Partners should include potential end users or customers who are committed to adopting the commercial product or technology developed under the Challenge. Other Project Partners could include subject matter experts from an academic or other publicly funded institution.
The ZEV sector is defined to include battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, and includes companies and organizations involved in all aspects of the ZEV supply chain – from raw material to final consumer products – related to vehicles or vehicle components, fuel and infrastructure, and transferable technologies and services.
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Commercial Vehicle Innovation Challenge
The Commercial Vehicle Innovation Challenge is one of a suite of programs offered under the Province of B.C.’s CleanBC Go Electric Program. The program is funded through the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation and is administered by MNP LLP.
