e-Auto Challenge Program

The e-Auto Challenge Program is an NRC Challenge stream under CSTIP focused on Canadian-made electric vehicle powertrain systems and components. It is designed to remove barriers to zero-emission vehicle adoption by backing work on cost, range, safety, and secure vehicle communications while strengthening the competitiveness of Canada’s automotive sector. The call plans up to $1.5 million in total support, with anticipated funding of up to $400,000 per project in non-repayable contributions over a two-year project life. It targets Canadian SMEs with fewer than 500 employees, requires at least one NRC researcher on the team, and expects projects to start at TRL 3 or higher, reach mid- to high-TRL outcomes, and include a pathway to commercialisation. The priority areas are advanced power electronics, optimised battery systems, and safe, secure vehicle communications using post-quantum cryptography. The program uses a two-stage process built around an expression of interest followed by an invited full project proposal. Teams that fit best are those with a concrete product or system pathway, clear collaboration with NRC researchers, and enough technical maturity to show measurable progress within two years. The proposal scoring also gives weight to team capacity, alignment with the call, gap closure, innovation, and economic impact.

Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.