The global automotive sector is undergoing its biggest shift since its creation more than 100 years ago as a result of the rapid transition towards electric vehicles (EVs). Canada has all the elements to be a global leader in light-duty EVs, including a strong supply chain, the capacity for technological innovation, highly skilled talent, critical mineral wealth and an abundance of clean energy sources. Industrial investments in EV production are significant but must be complemented by investments in R&D and technology adoption in order to support the transition.
The e-Auto Challenge program will be designed to bring together key stakeholders and facilitate collaboration in focused areas of the automotive industry. The program is complemented by the NRC's expertise and facilities, and a network of industry, academic, government, non-profit and community partners that will support the acceleration and de-risking of technology development and adoption.
About the program
The e-Auto Challenge program will speed up the growth of existing and new Canadian suppliers in the automotive industry by contributing to the de-risking and commercialization of novel electric vehicle technologies. This will facilitate achieving the target of 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035.
Areas of focus
The NRC is exploring thematic research with the potential for the greatest impact on the automotive industry supply chain.
Some of these research areas include:
- Next-generation electric motors
- Advanced power electronics
- Optimized battery systems
- Charging and other supporting infrastructure
- Connected and autonomous vehicle systems
Click the image to enlarge it.
Figure of the 3 electric vehicle supply chains – Text version
The elements of the electric motor supply chain, from mining to recycling, are materials, magnets, rotors, stators, controls, cooling, shaft, housing and bearings, and motors.
The elements of the power electronics supply chain, from mining to recycling, are materials, wafer, semiconductor, packaging, passives, sensors, and polychlorinated biphenyls.
The elements of the battery supply chain, from mining to recycling, are materials, components, cell production, modules, battery pack, and vehicle.
Next to the vehicle image is information about two related elements of the electric vehicle sector:
- charging stations, which are an enabling technology with areas of development related to smart and bi-directional charging, and
- connected and autonomous vehicles, which are vehicles that use advanced sensors and sophisticated software to improve performance and navigate without human intervention.
Collaborate with us
The program will collaborate with stakeholders across the light-duty automotive supply chain (original equipment manufacturers, suppliers and small and medium-sized enterprises) as well as academic institutions to accelerate the development and deployment of EV technologies while convening Canadian R&D capacity.
There will be ongoing opportunities for collaborators to get involved. Researchers and other collaborators from industry, academic institutions, not-for-profits, Indigenous governments and organizations, and other stakeholders can express their interest in collaborating by sending an email to 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.
Contact us
If you're interested in collaborating with us or making investments in this area or if you have any questions, contact us:
Email: e-Auto-Auto-e@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
Stay connected
Follow the National Research Council of Canada on social media.
X: @nrc_cnrc on Twitter
Instagram: @nrc_cnrc on Instagram
LinkedIn
Search for: #NRCChallengeEAuto
Figure of the 3 primary electric vehicle supply chains