Decarbonizing the transportation sector by shifting to electric vehicles (EVs) and other zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) over the next decade is an essential component of Canada’s plan to achieve its long-term climate goals. New infrastructure demands are emerging to accommodate this transition – and that has created an era of opportunity for industry experts and academic researchers to work together to find innovative solutions through collaborative applied research projects.

Committed to fuelling the EV revolution, Toronto-based beevrGO+ has recently plugged into the vast array of resources at RRC Polytech to advance its mission of simplifying and streamlining the charging experience for both drivers and operators.

“Collaboration is the key to reaching our shared targets, reducing greenhouse gasses, and ensuring a strong and sustainable economy. To support widespread adoption, address grid reliability, and build consumer trust, Canada’s growing EV charging ecosystem requires a significant upgrade,” said Jojo Delos Reyes, Director of RRC Polytech’s Vehicle Technology and Energy Centre (VTEC). “As an experienced leader in applied research, RRC Polytech offers an incredible network of specialized facilities and expertise, along with access to funding streams that support companies to develop intelligent, data-driven, and cost-effective solutions.”

Their exploratory project aims to:

• give both partners a better understanding of the usage and consumption patterns of EV charging infrastructure
• demonstrate how advanced analytics can improve charger utilization, customer experience, infrastructure planning, and long-term financial sustainability
• explore how intelligent management of existing charging assets can complement infrastructure expansion, creating a more efficient and equitable clean energy ecosystem

beevrGO+ is providing a living laboratory for the research by contributing its beevrGO user-facing app and beevrDASH EV charging management and analytics platform established by EVDrop Technology Inc. The platform provides researchers with access to real-world operational data and practical deployment scenarios which enables rapid validation of new models and accelerates the development of scalable solutions for intelligent charging management.

RRC Polytech’s VTEC is providing support for integration and testing through its existing EV infrastructure, while the faculty, staff, and students at the ACE Project Space are leading the work to develop and connect all the required digital elements.     

 “This research requires a comprehensive approach to data analysis – from collection and ingestion; to processing and storage; to visualization and delivery. By combining data management systems, advanced analytical tools, and forecasting techniques with user-friendly dashboards for clear reporting, we can transform large volumes of diverse information into actionable insights,” said Ralph Dueck, Chair of RRC Polytech’s ACE Project Space. “In this case, we’re consolidating real-time charging session information, grid supply data, and user interaction patterns to better support charge point operators, facility managers, utilities, policymakers, and public-sector decision-makers as the ecosystem evolves.”

Centralized administration of the project through the Polytech’s Research Partnerships & Innovation (RPI) enterprise ensures all available resources are maximized. Staff from Parking Services were brought in to support with logistics and guidance on charger availability while additional funding through the Digital Technology Transformation Initiative (DTTI) helped to offset some of the salary costs of staff and students. Funded by a Mobilize grant of just over $3.4 million from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada (NSERC), the DTTI supports projects that address existing gaps in technical and human skills that lead to digital innovation and drive sustainability.

The collaboration is expected to deliver a better charging experience for EV drivers, while providing charge point operators with a comprehensive resource management framework and evidence-based policy recommendations – a white paper that can guide governments; municipalities; postsecondary institutions; utilities; and local communities in planning future investments and operational strategies. The project will also establish a scalable roadmap for expanding similar data-driven approaches into other clean energy and smart infrastructure sectors.

As their six-month pilot project nears completion, all the participants are confident that their mutually beneficial journey toward a greener tomorrow, is just beginning. 

“This collaboration demonstrates how applied research and industry innovation can work together to solve emerging challenges in clean transportation,” said Joseph Chio, CEO and Founder of beevrGO+. “By combining academic research with real-world operational experience, we can create practical solutions that maximize infrastructure utilization, reduce waste, and support Canada’s transition to a smarter, more sustainable energy future.”

We acknowledge the support of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

Nous remercions le Conseil de recherches en sciences naturelles et en génie du Canada (CRSNG) de son soutien.