We are thrilled to share with you the most recent announcements and developments in the Windsor-Essex region for the month of November. See below to read our top highlights.
Project Arrow 2.0: APMA secures $11-million government funding boost
The first all-Canadian Project Arrow 1.0 zero-emission connected vehicle made its Windsor debut in June 2023 at Invest WindsorEssex’s (IWE) Automobility and Innovation Centre. IWE is proud to be recognized as the official eXtended Reality Partner for Project Arrow, having brought the virtual design to life using our Virtual Reality (VR) CAVE — Canada’s largest publicly accessible VR CAVE designed for the development and testing of automotive technologies.
The provincial and federal governments recently announced funding to advance Project Arrow to 2.0, which will build on the original concept vehicle. This new initiative aims to produce a fleet of vehicles replicating the initial design while incorporating various sustainable powertrains, including battery electric, hydrogen fuel cell and hybrid models. We are thrilled to see the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA) build on the success of the initial Project Arrow and further drive collaboration among Canadian suppliers, technology companies and academia.
This project will not only enhance innovation but also help to strengthen the regional automotive supply chain to create more opportunities and generate investments for Canadians. READ MORE
New UWindsor ‘mechatronic’ program to launch fall of 2025
The University of Windsor will launch its new mechatronics systems engineering (MSE) program in the fall of 2025, offering two “high-demand specializations” of autonomous vehicles and intelligent manufacturing. Mechatronic systems are integrating into various sectors, including automotive, which can significantly benefit the electric vehicle (EV) industry by equipping students with advanced skills in machine learning, artificial intelligence and computer vision techniques. Given Windsor’s reputation as
a growing EV hub, the program can help provide a skilled workforce for EV production by supplying innovative, tech-savvy engineers as we shift toward sustainable transportation. READ MORE
In other great news, University of Windsor engineering students are gaining hands-on experience and honing skills vital to the region’s emerging electric vehicle sector as Windsor’s NextStar Energy plant ramps up battery module production.
Among those jobs is the first cohort of co-op students from the University of Windsor, who have had the opportunity to play a role in the plant’s launch. READ MORE
Applications open for ‘Charged for Change’ – helping communities build electric vehicle infrastructure
Aviva Canada has opened its third round of applications for the Charged for Change program in partnership with Earth Day Canada. Municipalities and Indigenous communities seeking funding for electric vehicle charging infrastructure projects can now apply for level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations until Feb. 20, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. EST.
Under the initiative, 15 under-served municipalities have already received funding, including the Municipality of Lakeshore, which started constructing two new charging stations at Lakeview Park and at the Atlas Tube Recreation Centre.
The program helps provide the necessary public charging infrastructure and removes barriers for Canadians looking to purchase an EV. As the government’s 2035 zero-emissions mandate draws near, there is optimism that more initiatives will be available supporting Canadians to make the transition to EVs. READ MORE
Level 3 charging stations coming to the Town of Tecumseh
The Government of Ontario will deliver six new electric vehicle charging stations to the Town of Tecumseh, part of the $63-million Electric Vehicle (EV) ChargeON Program Community Sites Stream.
“For EV drivers, finding a charging station that’s close by and available can mean the difference between a quick stop and a time-consuming detour that takes time away from work, school or family,” according to Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Andrew Dowie.
These new chargers will be located at:
- Tecumseh Town Hall – Three level 3 fast-charger ports (200 kw+)
- Tecumseh CADA Library – Three level 3 fast-charger ports (200 kw+)
This new infrastructure is a part of the government’s plan to increase access to EV chargers outside
of large urban centres and support the electrification of transportation across Ontario. READ MORE