Kiwi Charge, a Toronto-based robotics and AI startup, launched an autonomous electric-vehicle charging initiative backed by the Government of Ontario through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), with additional support from General Motors Canada and Pfaff Automotive.
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 accelerate the development of mobile EV charging solutions that combine artificial intelligence, robotics, and electrification.
Kiwi Charge said the effort is aimed at addressing EV charging constraints in public and private settings where installing fixed chargers can be difficult or expensive, including older condominiums and rental buildings that may require significant electrical upgrades and hardwired infrastructure. The company plans to use the funding to prototype and test its autonomous charging units, run pilots with real estate and automotive dealership partners, hire additional talent, and iterate product development alongside Ontario’s AI ecosystem.
Kiwi Charge also plans to showcase the latest version of its autonomous charging robot at the Canadian International AutoShow from February 13 to 22, appearing alongside Project Arrow, a zero-emissions concept vehicle developed by the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association.
The company said its approach targets multi-tenant urban environments by deploying compact mobile chargers that can serve multiple EVs without rewiring parking garages, using AI-based fleet intelligence and on-demand operation designed to improve utilization and reduce grid strain. In parallel, Kiwi Charge is developing a manual mobile unit for automotive dealerships intended to keep EVs charged on high-traffic lots and support more efficient fleet management.
KEY QUOTES
“This project is about more than just EV charging; it’s about reshaping urban infrastructure by leveraging our strength and expertise in robotics and artificial intelligence. The support we have from OVIN and our industry partners gives us the credibility and platform we need to accelerate the development of our high-impact technology that will enable buildings to leapfrog outdated models and adopt clean, flexible EV charging at scale. It’s an Ontario-made solution for a global problem.”
Abdel Ali, Founder & CEO, Kiwi Charge
“GM Canada’s support of Kiwi Charge reflects our commitment to innovative thinking in sustainable mobility. We strive to leverage our expertise as active participants in the automotive startup ecosystem to help encourage EV adoption and improve the ownership experience.”
Regan Dixon, Senior Manager, General Motors Canadian Technical Centres
“As the shift towards electric vehicles gains momentum around the world, Ontario continues to pioneer EV adoption and an all-electric future. By empowering homegrown companies to accelerate the journey of next-generation EV charging solutions from concept to market, our province is not only leading the EV revolution, but also bringing made-in-Ontario innovations to global value chains and unleashing their boundless economic potential.”
Raed Kadri, Head Of OVIN
“Ontario is home to some of the most exciting advancements in electric and autonomous technologies, and Kiwi Charge is a standout example of that momentum. By applying robotics, AI, and smart design to one of the biggest barriers in EV adoption, they are building a made-in-Ontario solution with global potential. OVIN is proud to support innovators who are accelerating our transition to cleaner, smarter mobility while strengthening Ontario’s leadership in EV and battery innovation.”
Claudia Krywiak, President & CEO, Ontario Centre Of Innovation
