e-Auto Challenge program

About the program

The goal of the e-Auto Challenge program is to increase the competitiveness of the Canadian automotive supply chain by reducing the risks of commercializing new Canadian zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) technologies. This program advances mid- to high-technology readiness level projects (TRL 3 to 8), from proof of concept to pre-commercialization.

Areas of focus

To help lower costs, improve range and increase safety for EVs, the program focuses on 4 main areas that have the potential to create the greatest impact on the automotive supply chain:

1.  Advanced power electronics that incorporate wide-band-gap (WBG) semiconductors for lower-cost, compact and power-dense EV converters, inverters, chargers or controllers.

2.  Next-generation electric motors with reduced or zero rare-earth (RE) content for improved speed, energy efficiency, cost and sustainability.

3.  Optimized battery systems that are lighter and power dense for improved EV range (especially in cold weather), safety and cost.

4.  Enabling technologies such as connected autonomous vehicle (CAV) technologies, vehicle cybersecurity and post-quantum communication, smart charging and grid load management for improved safety, security and energy efficiency.

Support from the NRC provides access to specialized equipment and expertise that directly align with the program's focus on enabling technologies. These include:

• advanced manufacturing processes
• thermal management
• software
• digital technologies
• intelligent controls
• advanced sensors
• AI-based diagnostics (on-board and remote)

The program also considers vehicle design for lightweighting, disassembly, and northern climates.

Collaborate with us

There will be ongoing opportunities for the program to collaborate with stakeholders across the automotive supply chain —original equipment manufacturers, suppliers and small and medium-sized enterprises —as well as academic institutions to accelerate the commercialization of ZEV technologies for strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of the Canadian automotive sector.

Researchers and other collaborators from industry, academia, not-for-profits, Indigenous governments and organizations, and other stakeholders can express their interest in collaborating by emailing e-Auto-Auto-e@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca.

Grant and contribution funding is available through the NRC's National Program Office for eligible collaborators who offer complementary expertise. Consult our website for more information on funded collaborative R&D programs and initiatives.