Canadian robotics startup Kiwi Charge has launched an autonomous electric vehicle charging project backed by $1.7 million in combined funding. The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) contributed a $500,000 grant through its R&D Partnership Fund. Industry partners General Motors Canada and Pfaff Automotive provided the remaining $1.2 million. The company plans to unveil its latest autonomous charging robot at the Canadian International AutoShow, running February 13–22 alongside Project Arrow, Canada’s first zero-emissions concept vehicle.
Highlights
- Kiwi Charge received $1.7 million in combined public and private funding to develop mobile, AI-driven EV charging robots for buildings and dealerships.
- The autonomous units target multi-tenant buildings where an estimated 30% of urban EV owners lack access to fixed charging infrastructure.
- The technology eliminates costly electrical upgrades by using mobile robots that operate without hardwired garage installations.
- Kiwi Charge will debut its latest prototype at the Canadian International AutoShow in February 2025.
Addressing Multi-Tenant Charging Gaps
In urban centers, roughly 30% of EV owners live in multi-tenant buildings. Installing fixed chargers in these properties often requires expensive electrical upgrades. Kiwi Charge’s approach combines robotic mobility, AI-based fleet intelligence, and on-demand charging in compact autonomous units. The mobile chargers operate without rewiring parking garages. They can serve multiple EVs dynamically to maximize utilization and reduce grid strain.
The company said its solution can electrify older buildings at approximately 40% of the cost of conventional installations. The funding will support rapid prototyping and testing of the flagship autonomous units. It will also enable pilot programs with real estate and automotive dealership partners.
Dealership Fleet Management Applications
Beyond residential buildings, Kiwi Charge is developing a manual mobile unit for automotive dealerships. The system is designed to keep EVs charged on busy lots without disrupting operations. The company said the goal is to increase turnover efficiency and streamline fleet management.
Ontario Ecosystem and Industry Support
The project leverages Ontario’s growing AI ecosystem for accelerated development. Kiwi Charge CEO Abdel Ali said the OVIN backing and industry partnerships provide the platform needed to bring the technology to market faster.
GM Canada’s Regan Dixon, Senior Manager at the Canadian Technical Centres, said the investment reflects the automaker’s commitment to the automotive startup ecosystem. Dixon said GM aims to encourage EV adoption and improve the ownership experience.
OVIN Head Raed Kadri said Ontario continues to support homegrown companies in accelerating next-generation EV charging solutions. Ontario Centre of Innovation President and CEO Claudia Krywiak called Kiwi Charge a standout example of the province’s momentum in electric and autonomous technologies.
About the Partners
- Kiwi Charge Inc. is a Canadian robotics and AI company developing autonomous charging robots for buildings. More information is available at kiwicharge.ca.
- General Motors Canada is headquartered in Oshawa, Ontario. More information is available at www.gm.ca.
- OVIN is an initiative of the Government of Ontario led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation. It supports automotive and mobility technology companies through R&D support, talent development, and technology acceleration. More information is available at https://www.ovinhub.ca/.
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