Version 2 of the Kiwi Charge Robot, pictured with the team
Robotics and AI startup Kiwi Charge announced the launch of an autonomous electric vehicle (EV) charging project supported by the Government of Ontario through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network, with participation from General Motors Canada and Pfaff Automotive.
The project focuses on EV charging challenges in locations where fixed charging infrastructure is difficult or costly to install, including older condominium buildings, rental properties, and automotive dealerships.
The project represents a total investment of $1.7 million, including a $500,000 grant from the OVIN R&D Partnership Fund and $1.2 million from industry partners, to develop mobile EV charging systems that use robotics and artificial intelligence to address gaps in charging infrastructure.
Kiwi Charge plans to use the funding to prototype and test autonomous mobile charging units, conduct pilot programs with real estate and dealership partners, and expand its technical team.
In urban areas, a significant share of EV owners live in multi-tenant buildings where electrical upgrades required for fixed chargers can be prohibitive. Kiwi Charge’s approach uses mobile charging units that operate without permanent wiring changes and can serve multiple vehicles within a parking facility. The system is designed to support EV charging deployment in existing buildings while managing utilization and electrical demand.
For automotive dealerships, the company is developing a manually operated mobile charging unit intended to support EV inventory charging on sales lots without interrupting daily operations.
Filed Under: Charging, Technology News