Canada’s automotive future is being redrawn — not just on factory floors, but along highways, in communities, and across the national power grid.

On February 5, the federal government unveiled its new Automotive Strategy: a suite of measures designed to protect and secure Canada’s auto industry while building a globally competitive sector focused on next-generation vehicle manufacturing. The strategy comes at a pivotal moment, as global supply chains shift and electrification reshapes the definition of industrial leadership.

At its core, the strategy is about ensuring Canada remains a place where vehicles are built — and where Canadians can confidently drive the technologies of tomorrow.

Building the Backbone of Electrification

For many Canadians, the decision to go electric hinges on a simple question: Where will I charge?

Canada has already crossed a major milestone. Through Natural Resources Canada’s Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program, more than 30,000 electric vehicle chargers have been installed nationwide. It is a tangible signal of progress — but also a reminder that scale matters.

The new Automotive Strategy builds on this foundation by announcing the development of a National Charging Infrastructure Strategy. The goal: accelerate EV adoption, attract private-sector investment, and create new, well-paying jobs across Canada’s growing EV supply chain.

The effort is being backed by expanded financing through the Canada Infrastructure Bank’s $1.5-billion Charging and Hydrogen Refuelling Infrastructure Initiative, helping make it easier for Canadians to purchase and drive electric vehicles.

“We know range anxiety makes it harder to choose an EV, which is why Canada is investing in our infrastructure — and with new EV chargers opening every month, we are seeing results. Canada’s new Auto Strategy, including our National Charging Infrastructure Strategy, will build on this progress by injecting a major federal investment and catalyzing private investment in EV charging,” remarked the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resource.

A $97 Million Push for Clean Transportation

Following the strategy’s launch, the federal government announced more than $97 million for 155 clean transportation projects across Canada. The investment spans infrastructure, freight modernization, and public education — a comprehensive approach to accelerating electrification.

The funding includes:

  • $84.4 million for 122 projects to install more than 8,000 EV chargers through the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program.
  • $5.7 million for three projects under the Green Freight Program, helping fleets reduce fuel costs and emissions through vehicle repowering, low-carbon alternative fuel vehicles, and improved fuel-efficiency practices.
  • $7.2 million for 30 education and awareness initiatives — 11 of which are Indigenous-led — aimed at strengthening public and industry knowledge and confidence in EVs, charging infrastructure, and clean fuels.

For the government, these investments are not isolated announcements. They are interconnected components of a broader economic and industrial strategy — one designed to protect jobs, strengthen competitiveness, and position Canada as a leader in the industries of tomorrow.

“Canada’s new Automotive Strategy is focused on protecting Canadian jobs, strengthening the economy and positioning Canada as a global leader in the industries of tomorrow. At the same time, the five-year Electric Vehicle Availability Program (EVAP) will help ensure Canadians have access to more affordable vehicles,” stated the Honourable Steven MacKinnon,
Minister of Transport.

Affordability Meets Infrastructure

Infrastructure alone is not enough. Affordability remains central to driving mass adoption.

Through the new five-year Electric Vehicle Affordability Program, Canadians can save up to $5,000 when making the switch to electric — lowering the upfront barrier and helping align climate ambition with household budgets.

“We are making it easier, cleaner and more affordable for Canadians to get where they need to go by investing in new EV charging infrastructure. We are building thousands of new EV chargers and creating skilled construction jobs in communities across Canada. Making the switch to an electric vehicle reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and with the EV Affordability Program, drivers can save up to $5000, making EVs more accessible for Canadians to go electric,” said the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Nature.

Together, affordability measures and charging expansion aim to reduce range anxiety, strengthen domestic manufacturing incentives, and ensure Canada’s automotive transformation benefits workers and communities from coast to coast to coast.

Mobilizing Private Capital

A key lever in the strategy is the mobilization of private investment.

The Canada Infrastructure Bank is increasing its Charging and Hydrogen Refuelling Infrastructure Initiative allocation by an additional $1 billion. With more than $500 million already committed to FLO, Parkland and JOLT — enabling up to 5,400 new public fast-charging stations — the objective is to accelerate private sector–led infrastructure deployment nationwide.

“The CIB is increasing its Charging and Hydrogen Refuelling Infrastructure Initiative allocation by an additional $1 billion. With more than $500 million already committed to FLO, Parkland and JOLT — enabling up to 5,400 new, public, fast charging stations — the funding aims to increase private sector–led electric vehicle charging infrastructure in communities across Canada,” stated Ehren Cory, CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank.

By pairing federal funding with private capital, the strategy aims to multiply impact — expanding infrastructure faster while building long-term economic resilience.

The Road Ahead

The choices made today will shape Canada’s automotive and transportation landscape for decades. The new Automotive Strategy signals a coordinated approach: protecting the industry, incentivizing next-generation manufacturing, expanding charging infrastructure, and making electric vehicles more accessible for Canadian families.

It is a national effort to ensure that as the global auto industry evolves, Canada’s workers, businesses, and communities are positioned not just to adapt — but to compete and win.