Key Highlights
- Kiwi Charge has raised $1.7 million in combined public and private funding to develop autonomous EV charging robots.
- Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) provided a $500,000 grant, with General Motors Canada and Pfaff Automotive contributing $1.2 million.
- The company will unveil its latest autonomous charging robot at the Canadian International AutoShow from 13 to 22 February.
Canadian robotics startup Kiwi Charge has secured $1.7 million in funding to accelerate the development of its mobile, AI-driven electric vehicle charging technology.
The funding includes a $500,000 grant from the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) through its R&D Partnership Fund, with the remaining $1.2 million provided by industry partners General Motors Canada and Pfaff Automotive.
The investment supports Kiwi Charge’s mission to address one of the most persistent barriers to urban EV adoption: limited access to charging infrastructure in multi-tenant buildings.
Solving the Multi-Tenant Charging Challenge
Approximately 30% of urban EV owners live in apartment complexes or condominiums where installing fixed charging stations is either cost-prohibitive or technically complex. Electrical upgrades, rewiring, and grid capacity constraints often stall deployment.
Kiwi Charge’s approach replaces permanent installations with autonomous, mobile charging robots that navigate parking facilities and deliver power on demand. Powered by AI-based fleet intelligence, the robots can dynamically serve multiple vehicles, improving utilization while reducing strain on existing electrical systems.
According to the company, its solution can electrify older residential buildings at roughly 40% of the cost of conventional charging installations. It makes EV access more feasible for property owners and residents alike.
Expanding Use Cases for Dealerships
In addition to residential buildings, Kiwi Charge is developing a manual mobile charging unit tailored for automotive dealerships. The system is designed to keep electric vehicles charged across large dealership lots without disrupting daily operations or requiring fixed infrastructure.
The company said the solution aims to improve vehicle readiness, increase inventory turnover, and simplify fleet management for dealers managing growing inventories in the EV industry.
Backed by Ontario’s Innovation Ecosystem
Kiwi Charge’s development is closely tied to Ontario’s expanding electric mobility and AI ecosystem. CEO Abdel Ali said the combination of public funding and strategic industry partnerships provides a strong foundation to bring the technology to market faster.
Regan Dixon, Senior Manager at General Motors Canada’s Technical Centres, said the investment reflects GM’s commitment to supporting Canada’s automotive startup ecosystem and improving the EV ownership experience.
OVIN Head Raed Kadri added that the province remains focused on helping homegrown companies scale next-generation EV and mobility solutions.
Kiwi Charge plans to debut its latest autonomous charging robot at the Canadian International AutoShow, running February 13 to 22, alongside Project Arrow, Canada’s first zero-emissions concept vehicle. The showcase marks a key milestone as the company moves from development toward real-world deployment.