Objective
The Atmospheric Fund (TAF) is looking to support an advocacy initiative aimed at securing dedicated public funding that will support electric vehicle (EV)-readiness in existing multi-family buildings.
EV-ready buildings include a high proportion of parking stalls with energized outlets that allow for the easy installation of future Level 2 chargers.
Context
The federal government recently introduced the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard which requires that 100% of new passenger vehicle sales be zero-emission vehicles by 2035. The success of this policy depends on widespread and reliable access to EV charging infrastructure. Charging at home is the most affordable, convenient choice for most EV owners. However, installing chargers in multi-family buildings (including apartments, condos, and cooperatives) is more complex and expensive than outfitting a single-family home. This helps explain why EV adoption rates for multi-family building residents are significantly lower than the general population.
To date, installation of EV charging by landlords and condo boards has been limited and piecemeal since they lack the upfront capital required to meet future charging needs. But with those needs on the near horizon, today’s incremental approach delays the total number of installations, drives up costs, increases the risk of stranded assets, and dissuades residents from switching to EVs.
In recent years the Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP) has played a critical role in accelerating the adoption of EV charging among Canadians. However, landlords and condo boards cannot use ZEVIP funding for the electricity system upgrades and associated construction costs to support the future installation of Level 2 chargers throughout their buildings.
Dedicated government investments in comprehensive EV-readiness for multi-family buildings would expand charging access much more cost-effectively than an incremental approach and enable accelerated uptake of EVs. This is a key recommendation from a recent study on futureproofing multi-family buildings which was commissioned by Low Carbon Cities Canada and the Green Municipal Fund.
What We’re Looking For
This call is targeted at securing funding commitments from the Government of Canada and/or the Province of Ontario for an EV-ready program for existing multi-family buildings. We expect that project activities will include:
- Building and demonstrating a broad constituency of support for an EV-ready funding program among organizations from a range of strategic sectors and regions across Ontario and Canada, working from the foundation of TAF’s existing campaign signatory list
- Engaging directly with relevant decision-makers at the Government of Canada and Province of Ontario to champion the introduction of an EV-ready funding program
- Preparing submissions and delivering deputations in response to relevant consultation opportunities (e.g., federal and provincial budgets, committee deputations, relevant regulatory processes at the Ontario Energy Board and Independent Electricity System Operator, and other public consultation opportunities that develop over the course this project)
- Raising awareness across Ontario and Canada of the need for and value of an EV-ready funding program via earned media and other communications channels
Eligibility and Terms
TAF is open to proposals from single applicants or from consortia; in either case, the lead applicant must be a non-profit or charitable organization and meet the following requirements:
- Have a national presence
- Have access to strong government relations expertise either in-house or in partnership with another organization
- Have a successful track record of advancing policy solutions with the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario
TAF will provide grant funding of up to $100,000 to support this initiative. Proposals that include additional contributions (cash or in-kind) from the applicant and/or other funding sources towards the project are strongly encouraged.
The successful proponent will be required to execute TAF’s standard contribution agreement outlining the terms and conditions governing project funding and delivery.
Process and Timeline
This call for proposals will follow a two-stage process. During the first stage, applicants must submit a brief Expression of Interest (EOI) describing the project objectives, their proposed approach (including a proposed project timeline), and their team’s relevant qualifications and track record. The applicant(s) with the highest scoring EOIs will be invited to the next stage to submit a more detailed proposal.
Key milestones and timelines for this call for proposals are outlined in the table below:
| Milestone | Scheduled Date |
| RFP Issue | April 15, 2024 |
| Deadline for questions* | April 22, 2024 |
| Expressions of Interest due | May 3, 2024 |
| Selected applicants invited for full proposals | May 13, 2024 |
| Proposals due | May 31, 2024 |
| TAF Board decision | July 18, 2024 |
| Contribution agreement signed & project initiated | Late July 2024 |